March 31, 2025
Northern Michigan – A powerful ice storm has left over 75,000 residents without electricity, covering roads, vehicles, and power lines with up to an inch of ice over the past two days. The severe weather event has caused widespread disruptions, fallen trees, road blockages, and significant damage to power infrastructure.
Massive Power Outages Across the Region
As of Sunday afternoon, March 30, 2025, Consumers Energy reported more than 41,000 outages, while Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op reported nearly 31,500 customers without power. Many homes and businesses remain in the dark as utility crews work around the clock to restore service.
Montmorency, Emmet, and Cheboygan counties have been among the hardest-hit areas, with reports of downed power lines and dangerous icy conditions. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Hospitals and Essential Services Affected
Medical facilities in Charlevoix, Gaylord, and Grayling have been operating on generator power as emergency crews prioritize restoring electricity to critical infrastructure. Several healthcare clinics have temporarily closed, and emergency responders are dealing with increased calls related to the weather.
Local officials have advised residents who rely on electric-powered medical devices to seek shelter at designated warming centers if their homes are without power.
State of Emergency Declared
Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order in Montmorency County due to the risk of falling ice-laden trees and power lines. The National Weather Service has extended storm warnings until 8 p.m. on March 31, urging residents to prepare for continued hazardous conditions.
Shelters have been opened in affected areas to provide temporary housing, warmth, and food for residents unable to stay in their homes. Officials warn that as temperatures drop further, the risk of hypothermia and frostbite will increase for those without adequate heating.
Consumers Energy Response and Restoration Efforts
Consumers Energy has deployed repair crews across the region to assess damage and restore power as quickly as possible. Due to the extent of the storm’s impact, full restoration may take several days.
Residents experiencing outages are encouraged to report them through official outage reporting channels. The company has advised customers to prepare for prolonged outages by stocking up on essentials such as non-perishable food, water, and battery-powered lights.
Safety Precautions for Residents
Authorities are urging residents to take precautions while the storm recovery efforts continue:
- Avoid Downed Power Lines: Stay at least 25 feet away from any downed lines and report them immediately to local emergency services.
- Use Generators Safely: Never run generators indoors or in enclosed spaces to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Food and Water Storage: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve food supplies.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news stations, emergency alerts, and official updates regarding power restoration and storm developments.
Comparisons to Past Storm Events
The current ice storm is reminiscent of previous severe weather events in Michigan, such as the 2013 ice storm that left over 500,000 homes and businesses without power. In that event, restoration efforts took nearly a week due to widespread damage.
Michigan residents are no strangers to extreme winter weather, but officials are urging extra caution given the severity of this storm’s impact on infrastructure and public safety.
Looking Ahead
With forecasts predicting more cold weather in the coming days, authorities are working to mitigate risks and expedite recovery efforts. Power restoration teams will continue to prioritize hospitals, emergency services, and high-impact outage areas.
Residents affected by the storm are advised to remain patient as crews work under hazardous conditions to restore power. Meanwhile, local shelters and emergency services remain available to assist those in need.
