DTE Outage: Michigan Storms Cause Widespread Blackout – Many Michigan residents awoke on Friday, May 16, 2025, to find out their homes were without power because thunderstorms had hit the state overnight. The weather front, starting in Wisconsin over Lake Michigan, moved eastward and cut off power to over 9,600 DTE Energy subscribers, causing a lot of damage across southeastern Michigan.
Storms Strike Overnight, Causing Widespread Disruptions
Thursday night into early Friday morning, a storm hit Metro Detroit, resulting in strong winds, lots of rain, and lightning. Power lines were brought down, trees were uprooted, and many areas saw damage to their infrastructure as the system passed. By Friday morning at 6 a.m., DTE Energy noted that more than 9,000 customers were experiencing an outage.
By Friday early hours, the stormy squall line was gone, bringing the immediate danger to an end. But by then, things had already changed. Apart from the power outages, locals experienced minimal flooding, a lot of trees, and structural problems in several parts of the area.
DTE Responds and Urges Safety Around Downed Lines
Team members from DTE Energy were sent early on to look at the damage and start fixing the issues. In an emergency, the company began using its pre-made emergency plan and updated its online outage map to show areas experiencing problems. According to DTE, customers can use the online portal or call the company when they experience an outage.
The company strongly advised people to stay clear of any downed power lines. It is important for residents to keep at least 20 feet away from any downed power lines, as they could be deadly. In situations where downed wires might be dangerous, you should first dial 911 and then contact either DTE or Consumers Energy after that.
Specifically, DTE told drivers to keep clear of downed wires and issued a safety warning to homeowners to avoid even using a tool to deal with wires or come in contact with anything near them, for example, fences or puddles.
Areas Most Affected and Restoration Timeline
The biggest service interruptions during the outage were experienced in selected areas of Metro Detroit, while the rest of southeastern Michigan was also affected. Right now, they are paying the most attention to these zones in terms of whether they need to be safe for the public and which services are critical, such as hospitals and emergency services.
There is no definitive timeline from DTE for when power will be restored to all customers, but many expect it to take around 24 to 48 hours under normal circumstances. The company said that certain restoration locations may have to wait longer due to severe damage or challenges accessing them.
Community Concerns and Emergency Preparedness
As a result of this outage, many Michigan residents are reminded why it is important to be ready for storms. Officials in Yuma are urging residents to be prepared by having emergency supplies, power back-ups, and an action plan for when similar situations occur.
The power cuts happen only weeks ahead of the summer storm season, during which more unpredictable weather usually occurs. It is important for residents to set up weather alert apps and stay aware through the news and emergency teams. According to both FOX 2 and WDIV Detroit, people should use the station’s weather app to receive updates and information on the weather.
Many felt frustrated about the internet problem on social media, but they praised the first responders’ quick actions in dealing with emergencies. Many also praised the DTE lineworkers for working in such dangerous situations.
Conclusion
The spring storms that hit Michigan on May 16 left many people without power, revealing how easily the grid can become disrupted by such weather. Since more storms can be expected in the following months, people are urged to prepare, help out, and recover with the help of both local officials and utility companies.
