High Winds Cause Widespread Power Outages in Wisconsin
Amid powerful wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph, over 71,000 We Energies customers in Wisconsin found themselves without electricity on Friday afternoon. The Milwaukee-based utility company is actively working to address the widespread outages.
Despite the expiration of a high wind warning from the National Weather Service’s Milwaukee/Sullivan office at 4 p.m., a wind advisory remains, with gusts continuing to reach up to 45 mph into the early evening.
Brendan Conway, a spokesperson for We Energies, reported that approximately 40,000 customers had their power restored since the morning. As of 4:30 p.m., most outages were concentrated in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.
“Our crews are finding significant damage from the high winds — including downed power lines, downed trees and limbs that have fallen into our electric equipment. The continued wind is causing new outages,” stated Conway. “All available crews, including extra contract crews, are working to restore power to customers — and we are bringing in mutual aid crews from out of state to help.”
Continuous efforts are underway to restore power, although full restoration might extend into the weekend. With an impending winter storm, We Energies is preparing for potential further outages. Customers are encouraged to report outages via the utility’s website or by calling 1-800-662-4797.
We Energies provides electricity to over 1.1 million customers in Wisconsin.
