Ice Storm and High Winds Batter Northern Michigan

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A destructive ice storm that began on Sunday and continued overnight has caused extensive damage across Northern Michigan, leaving more than 110,000 homes and businesses without power. The hardest-hit counties are Roscommon, Alcona, and Alpena, with downed trees and power lines reported throughout the region. Consumers Energy has pre-staged crews and restoration supplies to work around the clock on staggered 16-hour shifts to safely restore power as soon as possible.

Why it matters

This storm has had a tremendous impact on Northern Michigan, particularly in the region from Cadillac to Alpena, an area that was also devastated by a powerful ice storm last spring. The widespread power outages and damage to infrastructure disrupt daily life and pose safety risks for residents, underscoring the need for reliable and resilient power systems to withstand extreme weather events.

The details

The ice storm coated trees and power lines with a quarter to half-inch of ice, causing countless reports of downed trees and power lines. Consumers Energy has moved crews, power poles, transformers, crossarms, and fuel to local staging areas to facilitate efficient restoration efforts. State and local law enforcement are urging residents to stay off the roads and stay safe as the storm continues.

• The ice storm began on Sunday and continued overnight.
• As of early this morning, more than 110,000 homes and businesses are without power across the state.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Consumers Energy crews will continue working around the clock to safely restore power to the affected areas as soon as possible.