Michiana power restoration estimates stretch into late Sunday

June 29, 2012|WSBT-TV Report

Power outages from heavy storms that raked Michiana Friday afternoon aren't going to end soon. Crews are working across northern Indiana and southern lower Michigan to restore electric service to more than 107,000 customers.

As of 10 p.m. Friday, here are power restoration estimates from Indiana Michigan Power/AEP:

Elkhart and surrounding area: Midnight Saturday

South Bend and surrounding area: Midnight Sunday

Fort Wayne and surrounding area: Midnight Wednesday

Company officials ask residents NOT to stop crew trucks to ask for service, as that slows down repairs for all customers without service. "In many areas, crews must rebuild significant portions of electric facilities to restore power," says David Mayne, Indiana Michigan Power spokesman, via a news release.

Mayne says it's very important to stay clear of anything that looks like a downed power line and contact I&M or dial 911 to report a downed lines.

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT I&M OUTAGE NUMBERS

WSBT reporter Chad Damp saw a large tree limb that landed on an ice cream van as it was driving east on California Road near Elkhart. The driver was taken to Elkhart General Hospital as a precaution.

People around Warsaw have reported seeing what they think was a tornado. However, WSBT Chief Meterologist Paul Emmick confirms no tornadoes have been generated from the storm.

According to the National Weather Service, up to 70 mile per hour winds blew through the Kosciusko County town of Winona Lake for about 7 minutes, knocking down trees.

A large tree knocked down power lines around Nappanee.

Estimated 60 mile per hour wind gusts swept through the Marshall County town of Tippecanoe, leaving a number of tree limbs down. Inch-size hail was seen by a storm chase in Bremen.

Power outages were reported around S.R. 15 and U.S. 20 between Elkhart and Middlebury. Widespread power outages are also reported across St. Joseph, LaPorte, Fulton, Berrien and Cass counties.

Please stay with WSBT online and on air for storm damage and power restoration updates.

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