ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WOWO): Strong winds are being reported across much of the WOWO listening area. The high winds are blowing numerous trees, limbs, branches and debris onto electrical wires and equipment, and causing nearly 20,000 Indiana Michigan Power customers to lose service.
The winds are expected to continue through Wednesday evening and are likely to cause additional outages. According to a press release, I&M will not be able to establish estimated times of restoration until the winds subside and crews can assess the damage.
The approximate number of customers without service by state and county as of 4 p.m, Wednesday was:
INDIANA: 9,300
Adams: 100
Allen: 6,400
DeKalb: 100
Elkhart: 300
Grant: 100
LaPorte: 200
Madison: 100
Noble: 200
St. Joseph: 1,700
Whitley: 100
MICHIGAN: 10,600
Allegan: 100
Berrien: 1,200
Cass: 1,000
Kalamazoo: 1,500
St. Joseph: 500
Van Buren: 6,300
Meanwhile, several rollover crashes have been reported along I-69 and I-469. Several drivers traveling through News Haven called the WOWO Newsroom to report whiteout conditions due to dust being blow across the roadways.
7 pm update…Here is a list of a few max wind gusts across the region today. Storm report summary… https://t.co/HDSMftjN1j pic.twitter.com/hcTe15IPwI
— NWS Northern Indiana (@NWSIWX) March 9, 2017
A fire caused serious damage late Wednesday afternoon at the Yarnelle Lumber Company. According to our partners in news at ABC 21, the fire broke out about 5 p.m., Wednesday, when wind gusts topped 50 miles per hour.
The flames spread to at least one structure at or adjacent to the lumber yard. Officials asked people to stay clear of the area as they worked to control the flames.
So far, no word regarding the cause or injuries.