(WWJ) - An estimated 14,000 homes and business will be without power for a second day as Consumers Energy and DTE utility crews work to make repairs after high winds, fallen trees and freezing temperatures damaged equipment across the state.
Gusts as high as 55 mph howled and bitter wind chills fell to 20 to 30 below zero in Southeast Michigan Friday morning, plunging thousands of customers into darkness.
The strong winds from the storm had knocked out the lights -- and even more concerning in many cases, the heat -- to more than 4,000 homes and businesses in Metro Detroit by late morning, DTE said.
As of 3 p.m., that number had climbed to more than 12,000 DTE customers alone.
At last check, the largest outage from wind damage is in and around Lapeer Township, where up to 2,500 locations are still in the dark. DTE hopes to have power restored to the area by 10 a.m Saturday.
"This is going to be the heart of the winter storm," WWJ AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore warned, early Friday, as winds whipped during the morning commute.
Nearly 2,000 crews are out in the field working to restore power as possible, at DTE spokesperson said.
DTE Executives warned customers to be prepared for outages as high winds, brutal cold and blizzard-like conditions are now affecting the Metro Detroit area.
President Trevor Lauer said the company has readied a force of 700 line workers and 1,000 other employees ahead of the pending winter storm.
"Right now the gusts are expected to top out right around 55 miles an hour. We've seen some of that lessening on the west side of the state and moving a little bit east so depending on the wind velocity, and how long it blows, we do expect some gusts into the 60s," he continued. "We'll have some localized outages at this point, that we're hoping that the overall wind gusts stay down below 60 because that's a real threshold on how it affects the electrical system."
The cold weather being dragged down with the arctic front will drop wind chill values well below zero at times, creating "very dangerous" conditions if long-lasting power outages occur. Lauer said DTE is working on outreach to their most vulnerable customers to make sure they are safe during the storm.
"It is strong winds, extreme cold and reduced visibilities in blowing snow that is creating the most hazardous and life-threatening conditions." the National Weather Service said in a 7 a.m storm update.
If customers experience an outage, Lauer advised they contact DTE on the app, on the website, or by phone at 1-800-477-4747 to report it.
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"We are going to get to all the customers that we can as fast as we can and as safely as we can for our employees," he added.
Lauer also warned against bringing generators inside, stating that doing so can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
"Please be safe and remember to stay at least 20 feet from any downed power lines — assume they are live and dangerous," the company advised.
Meanwhile, as snow falls onto icy pavement, police are warning Metro Detroiters to take it very slow if they must be out and about on Friday.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the entire Lower Peninsula through early Saturday morning, with several inches of snow expected in Metro Detroit ahead of Christmas.
Stay with WWJ for the latest on conditions during traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. Tell your smart speaker "play WWJ nine-fifty" to listen all day.
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