(WWJ) DTE has restored power to the vast majority of the 227,000 Metro Detroit homes and businesses knocked off the grid by Wednesday night’s windstorms.
The power company said 96% of the impacted customers are back online as of 9pm Friday night. More than 1,000 employees worked around the clock to restore electricity.
Just over 9,000 customers are still without power, according to a press release.
The other 4% can expect to have their lights back on by Saturday evening, according to DTE.
Many of the homes and businesses still in the dark are in Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Shores and Grosse Pointe Farms.
Several smaller outages are scattered across Metro Detroit.
You can see the DTE Outage Map here.
DTE crews are slated to clean up after the storm throughout the weekend. All DTE employees are expected to wear face masks, unless they would interfere with their equipment.
As always; if you see a downed powerline, assume it is live. Stay at least 20 feet away.
DTE suggests you check your yard or alleyway for downed lines before letting your kids or pets play outside.
Meantime, Consumer’s Energy said they will be working all night to get the lights back on for about 49,000 customers. They will be focusing on Calhoun and Branch Counties Friday night.
Those in areas with the heaviest storm damage might be without power until Saturday evening, according to Consumer’s Energy. This includes Kent, Jackson and Saginaw Counties.
Consumer’s Energy has restored power to 37,000 customers.
Both companies ask you to stay at least six feet away from crew members in your neighborhood because of the coronavirus.