Our listening area is still being affected by widespread power outages and ongoing cleanup efforts from Wednesday’s storm.
9/24/21 @ 10:20 AM:
Port Huron City Manager James Freed provided a status update on the city’s response to the storm damage caused throughout the area on September 22nd.
Freed reports that the Port Huron Fire Department has mostly been responding to calls related to downed powerlines. The Forestry Division is working to removed downed trees and limbs and has documented 73 jobs as a result of the storm. They have completed 29 major jobs, and will focus on those before they get to leaf and debris pickup.
Port Huron Police Chief Platzer said they are having issues with inoperable traffic lights at intersections. If you approach an intersection with an inoperable traffic light, you must come to a complete stop before proceeding. For more information about right-of-way laws at intersections, go to our news story on the topic <HERE>.
Freed said, “Given the sporadic nature of the debris damage around the city, assessment and restoration of power is slowly progressing. DTE still estimates that 95% of affected users will have power restored by the end of day. We urge residents to avoid powerlines and debris piles. Given the location of these downed lines, near residential homes with kids, we urge extra caution for those with little ones. The threat of the storm has passed, but a new threat of down powerlines and debris are equally as dangerous.”
9/24/2021 @ 6 AM:
Port Huron Fire Chief Corey Nicolson reported that the department responded to 128 calls for storm related issues, including two dwelling fires and multiple calls for smoke in homes due to electrical overloading. No one was seriously injured.
For those who are using generators to provide electricity during outages, Nicholson urges caution, “If you’re going to use a generator, you either used rated electrical extension cords or provide power to your home through a transfer switch. Do not back feed an outlet in your home; it’s very dangerous.” He also urges people to use gasoline powered generators outside, not in garages, and keep them away from their homes away from eaves or overhangs to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Generators should not be refueled while they are running. To refuel a generator, stop the engine first.
City of Port Huron residents can bring tree debris out to the road like they do for leaf pickups. The City will pick up the debris over the next week or two at no extra cost to residents.
Closed today due to power outage:
- Marysville Schools
- Port Huron Schools
- St. Clair County Community College
- Carsonville-Port Sanilac
Charging Stations:
Due to the widespread power outages throughout St. Clair County, the following locations are available for residents to charge personal wireless devices and medical devices. These locations are available during normal business hours only:
- Algonac City Hall
- Burtchville Township Offices
- Home Depot – Fort Gratiot
- Lowes – Fort Gratiot
- Grant Township Offices
- Ira Township Fire Station
- Kimball Fire Department – Station 1 – Allen Road
- Kenockee Township Fire Station
- Memphis Fire Station
- Mussy (Capac) Fire Station
- City of Port Huron Municipal Office Center
- Port Huron Township Offices
- Port Huron Masonic Temple (927 6th Street)
Resources:
- DTE will have a Community Response Van and station setup today from 12pm-6pm in the North McMorran parking lot distributing ice and water to residents at no cost.
