A fast-moving storm tore through Ontonagon County late Tuesday, toppling trees, snapping power poles and leaving more than 1,400 utility customers without power across three Upper Peninsula counties.
The Ontonagon Volunteer Fire Department posted warnings on social media Tuesday evening, urging residents and visitors to limit travel to essential trips only while crews worked to clear roadways.
The department also reported responding to 16 fire calls throughout the day, noting some may have been storm-related. The post did not specify the exact number of storm-related calls or their locations.
Several vehicles sustained damage during the storm, and multiple power poles were knocked down.
According to the UPPCO outage map, approximately 1,100 customers lost power in Ontonagon County, in the area between Silver City and Firesteel. An additional 282 customers were without power in Houghton County, and another 89 in Baraga County.
The Ontonagon Village Fire Department also reported that Paul Bunyan Road is closed and asked drivers to use caution while traveling through downtown.
Officials are reminding the public not to approach downed power lines. Anyone who spots a downed line should keep a safe distance and call 911 so first responders and utility crews can respond.
Find photos posted by the Ontonagon Volunteer Fire Department here.
