METRO DETROIT (WWJ) - Thousands of Metro Detroiters are in the dark early Wednesday morning after a round of quick-hitting severe weather struck the area the day before -- and the threat of storms isn't over yet.
The National Weather Service said all of Southeast Michigan is under risk of excessive rainfall and damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph on Wednesday due to a potentially active frontal boundary that will remain close to the Ohio border.
Experts warn that the front has the potential to bring rounds of thunderstorms and heavy showers across the listening area.
"Excessive rainfall and localized flooding remain possible as thunderstorms increase coverage and intensity late today into tonight. Broader rainfall totals average between a half inch to 1 inch, with localized higher amounts possible," the NWS advised.
According to forecasters, Wednesday will start off with spotty showers early in the day with highs reaching in the mid 70s to lower 80s. As the day goes on, thunderstorm and shower chances begin to increase with a Marginal Risk for severe weather developing south of the Pontiac/M-59 corridor.
The greatest possibility for storms will range between 4 and 10 p.m.
WWJ's Charlie Langton said residents, like those in Shelby Township, are still trying to recover from storm damage that hit Oakland and Macomb County early Tuesday evening.
Many people woke up to the whirl of generators as DTE Energy reported 8,492 customers were without power as of 7 a.m. mostly in the Pontiac, Rochester Hills, New Baltimore and Chesterfield areas.
Over 320 crews are out in the field working to fix the damage, some of which was determined to have been caused by trees.
"Give DTE some credit," Langton said in a 6 a.m. updates. "They have now reduced about 1,000 customers/ In other words, they got the power back to about 1,000 customers, but still 8,000 remain without power in the Metro Detroit area."
According to Langton, DTE said they expect to have all the power restored today, possibly around 11:30 a.m.
And as they work, the company is reminding everyone to stay away from downed wires and report them to DTE online here or by phone at 800.477.4747.
DTE warned everyone to stay at least 25 feet away from a downed power line and to make sure family members and neighbors are aware of the danger. Everyone, including pets, should not touch anything the downed wire is touching – like a fence, or a puddle.
In the event of an emergency, 911 should be called.
"Assume all downed power lines are live and dangerous - even if you don’t see sparks, smell smoke or hear buzzing," the company said. "Coming in contact with a downed power line, including touching it with an object – like a broom or pole – can result in serious injuries."
Additionally, people should never drive across a downed power line and no one should cross yellow barrier tape surrounding a downed wire.
For additional information, visit dteenergy.com/wiresafety.