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High winds cause power outages

ALPENA — The excessive winds on Friday left thousands without power in northeastern Michigan.

During the high winds on Friday Sept. 21, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op (PIE&G) received reports of wind-related power outages starting in the morning and steadily increasing throughout the day, according to the press release.

As of Friday evening, PIE&G estimated a total of 9,100 services were affected within the service territory and Wolverine Power was providing additional help to restore services.

As of Sunday morning there was a total of 1,420 services without power and by Sunday evening, PIE&G had reduced the outages to just 382 and anticipated restoration to most members by late in the evening. The press release also stated that some repairs will take until Monday for complete restoration.

Montmorency County Sheriff’s Department said they had significant reports of trees and power lines down.

The Alpena Power Company reported 3,000 residents without power on Friday with the vast majority of outages fully restored by 4 a.m. on Saturday.

Winds remained a problem at the Mackinac Bridge on Sunday. The Mackinac Bridge Authority released a High Wind Warning on Sunday evening and warned all motorists crossing the bridge to travel with caution especially vulnerable vehicles. For anyone traveling with a motor home, a truck with a camper, enclosed semi-truck trailers, and vehicles pulling trailers, to reduce speed to 20 miles per hour, use four-way flashers, and travel in the outside lane.

Kaitlin Ryan can be reached at kryan@thealpenanews.com or at 358-5693.

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