Storms leave thousands without power in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58/AP) — Hundreds of We Energies crews are out fixing power lines and restoring power for thousands after storms caused by Tropical Storm Cristobal ripped through the area causing damage overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, June 10. 

So far, We Energies has restored power to almost 30,000 customers. 

We Energies interactive outage map 

Officials say this is the biggest storm they have seen so far this year. 

They say they have seen a lot of downed power lines and winds have knocked down a lot of branches and trees. 

Officials say the damage and impact was widespread in the area. 

“It’s really scattered across the territory. You know the storms moved through really all parts of our service area so it’s kind of hard to pinpoint those hardest hit areas,” said We Energies Spokesperson, Alison Trouy. 

We Energies said most people's power should be restored by Wednesday afternoon, but areas where there was more severe damage may not be restored until Wednesday night. 

If your power is out, you are urged to contact We Energies because they may not know about it. 

The National Weather Service issued a gale warning through Wednesday evening on Lake Michigan because of the possibility of strong winds creating waves of 6 to 10 feet.

Forecasters warned boaters, swimmers and paddlers to stay out of the water because life-threatening waves and currents are predicted.

In western Wisconsin, the heavy rain washed out portions of some roads in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties and caused minor flooding.