Storm Causes Power Outages, Cancellations

The ferocious overnight summer storm rivaled even the best of fireworks shows. But a raucous night often leads to a headache in the morning.

Hundreds of users, mostly north of Bennett Street and south of Weber Road and within a few blocks of Ann Arbor Street, remain without power Thursday. Another 276 customers along the Scio and Lodi township border are without power.

DTE Energy spokesman Scott Simons said extra crews are being dispatched to the area to restore power. He said frequent lightning strikes may be the cause of the outages. Simons said DTE hoped to have power to all customers restored by midnight. The DTE Engergy outage map indicated that the customers in Scio and Lodi should have power back between 6 and 8 p.m. No estimate was given for Saline customers.

In the city, Department of Public Works employees were busy Thursday morning.

“We haven’t had problems with trees down. But we closed the parks due to the high river and we had to block off some streets because of standing water,” said DPW office manager Priscilla Heldt.

Heldt said the DPW continues to field calls from residents about their power.

“We can’t do anything to help and we don’t have the latest information. Customers should contact DTE,” she said.

DTE’s power outage number is 1-800-477-4747.

Police weren’t called on any storm-related calls, according to Saline Police dispatcher Sandy Wood.

The storm and resulting power outage has played havoc with local events.

Thursday night’s Summer Music Series concert has been cancelled. More storms are forecast throughout the day. In the past, when weather struck, the concert was moved to Liberty School. But power is out at the school.

Because of the outage, Thursday’s Saline Community Education programs have been cancelled. Events at the Saline Senior Center are also cancelled. Just across the campus, the Saline District Library is open.