A strong winter storm sweeping through the region has caused widespread power outages across parts of Northwest Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Heavy snow and strong winds have knocked down power lines and damaged electrical equipment, leaving thousands of residents without electricity as crews work through challenging weather conditions to restore service.
According to Xcel Energy, more than 3,000 customers in Northwest Wisconsin and the UP are currently experiencing outages. The storm has hit some areas harder than others. In the Ashland and Bayfield region, over 400 people are without power, while Sawyer County is dealing with around 1,000 affected customers. Vilas County is among the hardest-hit areas, with about 2,000 residents in the dark.
Across the border in Michigan, Gogebic County is facing significant disruptions as well, with more than 1,500 customers losing electricity due to the severe weather. Utility crews are already on the ground, but the ongoing storm is making repairs slow and difficult. High winds and snowy conditions continue to limit visibility and access, forcing teams to work carefully to avoid additional safety risks.
Despite the harsh conditions, Xcel Energy says it is prioritizing the most heavily impacted areas and working to restore power as quickly as possible. The company expects that most customers will have their electricity back by 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, although this timeline may shift if weather conditions worsen or additional damage occurs.
Local officials are urging residents to stay indoors, conserve battery power, and avoid traveling unless necessary. People using alternative heating sources are also reminded to follow safety guidelines to prevent carbon monoxide buildup or fire hazards. As the storm continues to move through the region, communities are being advised to remain patient and take precautions until conditions improve and full power service is restored.
