Freezing Rain Causes Power Outages in Great Lakes Region as Tennessee Prepares for Severe Weather

Freezing rain has toppled trees and power lines across Michigan and Wisconsin, resulting in widespread power outages for thousands in the upper Great Lakes region on Sunday. Meanwhile, forecasters indicated that severe weather is approaching Tennessee.

In the middle of Tennessee, winds could reach over 70 mph (112 kph), with potential for tornadoes and hail measuring up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) on Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.

“Make sure your safe place is ready just in case,” forecasters advised on X.

Over 200,000 customers experienced power outages across Michigan and Wisconsin. Many churches, schools, and fire halls with electricity were converted into warming centers as utility companies worked diligently to restore power, a task that may extend into Monday for small communities and rural areas.

The Weather Service office in Gaylord, Michigan, remarked on X: “Ice accumulation here is between a half inch to nearly one inch!”

Despite spring being on the calendar, “it still feels like winter,” stated Ryan Brege, managing director of the Alpena County, Michigan, Road Commission, located 250 miles (402 kilometers) north of Detroit.

Alpena Power reported that nearly all of its 16,750 customers — homes and businesses alike — were without power, located 250 miles (402 kilometers) north of Detroit. Many churches lacking electricity in Wisconsin and Michigan had to cancel their Sunday services.

“We hope everyone remains safe!” expressed Calvary Lutheran Church in Merrill, Wisconsin.

Jesika Fox mentioned she and her husband traveled over 40 minutes from their home in Alpena, Michigan, to secure fuel for their generator. Their family lost power Saturday night but managed to keep the home warm by using a fan to circulate heat from a gas stove.

“We just passed by a veterinary clinic. A tree had taken out the entire front corner of the building,” said Fox, 36.

In South Carolina, authorities announced progress in managing wildfires in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires have scorched approximately 17 square miles (44 square kilometers). Some residents of Greenville County were ordered to evacuate on Saturday.

“Thank you for your prayers. They’re being felt. Rain is on the way,” said Derrick Moore, operations chief for the firefighting Southern Area Blue Team.