BUCHANAN, Mich. — Indiana Michigan Power crews continue to work to restore power after severe storms moved through West Michigan on Tuesday.
As of Wednesday, power had been restored to more than 55% of the 13,000 affected electricity customers, but 5,500 were still without service, according to official figures.
The majority of the 5,500 customers, about 3,600, live in Buchanan, Michigan, while 1,920 live in South Bend, Indiana.
To assist with recovery efforts, teams from Ohio will travel to southwest Michigan.
They are expected to assist 600 workers from Fort Wayne, Muncie, Marion, South Bend, Elkhart, Benton Harbor, Three Rivers and Buchanan throughout the evening in restoring power, officials said.
According to authorities, power will be restored to almost all customers by 10 p.m.
In addition to restoring power, emergency crews are also investigating the damage caused in both areas by heavy rain, frequent lightning strikes and strong winds.
According to authorities, so far, assessors have discovered more than 50 broken or damaged power poles, 10 damaged transformers, 114 fallen wires, several uprooted trees and numerous branches that have disfigured the streets.
Electricity customers are advised to use caution when picking up storm debris, as fallen branches and other debris can obscure downed power lines.
If you see a downed power line, we recommend that you stay away and report the case to Indiana Michigan Power at 1-800-311-4634 or call 911.
