Severe Storms Leave Thousands Without Power In Northern, Central Wisconsin

Severe storms on Sunday in northern and central Wisconsin left thousands without power. Utility crews are trying to restore service in areas hardest hit.

Wisconsin Public Service has brought about 10,000 customers back online after storms with high winds downed trees and power lines. Spokesman Matt Cullen said they’re restoring power to just under 5,000 customers in Minocqua and 2,200 more in Wausau.

“Our crews are seeing numerous broken power poles, downed wires and downed trees as they work to restore power safely and as quickly as possible to all of our customers,” he said.

Cullen said they’ve brought in extra crews that will be working through Monday and Tuesday to restore power. He cautioned people to avoid downed lines.

“Customers really need to stay at least 25 feet away from any downed wires,” he said. “If they see any downed wires or broken power poles, please contact us here at WPS, as well as a local law enforcement agency. Let us know about those things so we can dispatch a crew, make the area safe and begin to restore power.

Wisconsin Public Service has around 442,000 electric customers statewide.