Strong winds and hot temperatures set for the Detroit metro on Sunday
Residents of the Detroit metro area are enjoying a sunny and abnormally hot day on Sunday, with the National Weather Service predicting high temperatures near 60 degrees in most areas. But high winds threaten to spoil the fun for some residents struggling with power outages.
The NWS warned that wind gusts could reach 50 to 60 miles per hour as a powerful cold front moves through the southern part of the state. A previous high wind warning was cancelled.
Saginaw is already seeing wind gusts of 67 mph at 7:22 a.m., according to NWS. Closer to the Detroit metro, Willow Run Airport, sees wind gusts of 54 mph at 9:22 a.m., NWS said.
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At 9:30 a.m. Sunday, DTE issued a severe weather alert, saying crews are on standby and “preparing to restore power to impacted customers.”
More than 7,500 DTE customers were without power as of 4:55 p.m. Sunday, including about 1,500 customers in the 8 Mile and Farmington Road area of Farmington, according to DTE’s outage map. 171 DTE teams are currently on the ground to restore power.
On the west side of the state, more than 5,400 customers are experiencing power outages, according to Consumers Energy. Outages affecting fewer than 500 customers have been reported near Grand Rapids, Midland and Bakersville.
As of 4:55 p.m. Sunday, they report 147 crews on the ground.
The Mackinac Bridge Authority said winds of 35 to 49 mph on the bridge require the escort of large vehicles.
“Slow to 20 mph as you approach the bridge and be prepared to stop. Bridge personnel stationed at both ends of the bridge will provide instructions on how and when to proceed.” authority tweeted.
Despite the wind, residents took advantage of the unusually mild temperature. Matt Claysen, from Birmingham, flew a kite at Normandy Oaks Park in Royal Oak on Sunday afternoon, while others walked their dogs.
“We’re going to stay out as long as we can,” Royal Oak resident Hannah Groth said as she stroked her dog, Bella. “We go to the dog park, meet friends, just enjoying the nice weather.”
The Detroiters should brace for a bit of a weather boost in the week — NWS is predicting a high of 39 degrees and rainy conditions for Monday.
Lauren Wethington is a breaking news reporter. You can email her at [email protected] or find her on Twitter at @laurenelizw1.