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(CBS DETROIT) — Thousands of DTE Energy customers are experiencing power outages after severe storms rolled through Southeast Michigan on Tuesday.
As of 11:20 p.m. on Wednesday, 89,503 customers were without power. Additionally, 50,547 Consumers Energy customers were without power.
According to Brian Calka, the vice president of distribution operations at DTE, the bulk of power outages were caused by Tuesday afternoon’s storms, with another 30-40,000 caused as a result of overnight storms.
“The challenge in an event like this is we can only respond to the wire downs that we’re aware of. That’s where the safety message really plays out is we know there are other wires that are down on the ground right now; people just haven’t seen them and we’re not aware of them,” Calka said. “People should be staying indoors as much as they possibly can to avoid any potential of a safety issue with a down power line.”
The utility company expects to have power restored to 75% of its customers by the end of Wednesday and 90% by the end of Thursday.
The National Weather Service issued several thunderstorm warnings and watches in Southeast Michigan, including in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties. Heat advisories were also issued for several counties through 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
NWS predicted that the head indices will climb to 100-plus degrees as high temperatures reach the 90s.
In response to the heat, the Detroit Public Schools Community District released students early on the first two days of the school year.