Storm and Outage Details

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

• Regional Event: A large weather system affected most of the Midwest, causing outages across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and extending as far as Virginia.  The severe storms and high winds hit areas that have already experienced severe weather over the past several days. 

• Customer Outages: Approximately 15,700 customers remain without power, with most in the South Bend area.  

• Restoration and Damage Assessment Underway Where It’s Safe: Crews have begun restoration efforts where weather conditions are safe. Our crews in the northern areas, joined by I&M teams from the Fort Wayne and Muncie areas bring a total of 1,072 restoration experts to the job as well as 350 utility workers from outside the area. 

• Restoration Times: When our crews are better able to determine the extent of the damage and needed repairs, we will be able to establish and share out estimated restoration times to customers affected by the storms. 

• Trees Remain a Concern: Severe winds, heavy rain, and saturated ground caused widespread damage to power lines, poles, and other equipment, with some locations requiring tree and debris removal before repairs can begin. 

• Keep Safe: Stay away from downed power lines, give crews plenty of space to work and use extra caution when driving near storm damage and restoration activities.  

SITUATION  

We know being without power is disruptive. As soon as conditions became safe, crews began responding across our communities to assess damage and restore power as quickly and safely as possible. 

Before the storms arrived, we took proactive steps to speed restoration efforts by strategically positioning lineworkers, tree crews, damage assessors and more than 350 mutual assistance personnel to begin the work of restoring power. 

As of 4:30 p.m., approximately 15,700 customers remain without power, with the highest concentration of outages in the South Bend area. 

Severe winds and heavy rain caused extensive damage across the system, bringing down trees and limbs onto power lines, damaging poles and impacting other electrical equipment. Saturated ground conditions have increased the risk of additional tree-related outages. In many locations, crews must first remove trees and debris before repairs can safely begin. 

Damage assessment is underway and restoration times will be shared with customers as soon as they become available. In the meantime, customers can receive the latest outage and restoration information through the I&M mobile app and by signing up for text and email alerts. 

Customers will continue to see crews working around the clock in neighborhoods and communities.   

WHAT YOU CAN DO 

• Connect with I&M: Customers should update their I&M account information. Make sure the email address and phone number on file are up to date. The fastest way to get information is through the I&M app and text or email alerts. 

• Stay Away from Downed Lines: All downed lines should be considered energized and deadly. The power line and anything it could touch, including fences, storm debris, and standing water, can carry electric current that could cause serious or fatal injuries. If you see a fallen wire, keep yourself and others (including pets) away and call local police or I&M immediately at 1-800-311-4634.  

• Take It Slow on the Road: Drivers should reduce speed and be on the lookout for restoration personnel, emergency responders and tree removal crews working in the area. For everyone's safety, never approach crews or work zones, and follow any posted signs or barriers. 

• For more safety tips, visit www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/Weather.