It has been a wild ride since late afternoon across Michigan’s Great Southwest as the remnants of hurricane weather from the deep south have surged into the region here and in Northern Indiana.
The team at American Electric Power says that strong, frequent wind gusts are moving across Indiana Michigan Power’s service territory, causing approximately 13,000 customers to lose service in both states. Of that number, approximately 9,400 customers are without power in the South Bend/Elkhart area, not nearly as many in Michigan thus far.
I&M crews, where safe to do so, are beginning the process of assessing the damage caused by this cold front.
SAFETY INFO
Given the high winds, accompanied by heavy rainfall at times, I&M asks you to please pay attention to several safety precautions:
- Downed power lines. Stay away from any downed wires and report them to I&M. You can call 800-311-4634, report on their app or website, or call 911.
- Trees could fall or drop limbs at any moment, please look up.
- Standing water could hide debris or even downed wires.
- Roads will likely be wet, slick and covered with debris.
- Traffic lights may not be functioning. Please use caution and be mindful of first responders and utility workers on the roadways.
- Crews will be following all CDC guidelines on physical distancing and the general public is urged not to approach I&M crews.
OUTAGE NUMBERS
The approximate number of outages in Indiana and Michigan areas as of 8:30 pm were:
Indiana Total Customers without Power:
Fort Wayne area: 180
Muncie/Marion area: 40
South Bend/Elkhart area: 9,400
Michigan Total Customers without Power:
Benton Harbor area: 470
Buchanan area: 2,140
Three Rivers area: 300
ESTIMATED RESTORATION TIMES (ETRS)
Storms are expected to continue throughout the area this evening and into Wednesday. Firm estimated restoration times for all affected customers will be established once full assessment is complete.
STAY INFORMED
I&M encourages customers to use the Indiana Michigan Power app to monitor the status of any outage affecting your home or business. http://IndianaMichiganPower.com/App
You can sign up for text and email alerts on the app or at:
http://IndianaMichiganPower.com/Alerts
See the location and status of outages using the I&M outage map at http://IndianaMichiganPower.com/OutageMap
For the latest updates you can follow Indiana Michigan Power on Facebook and find them on Twitter @IN_MI_Power.
