Strong winds sweeping through the region on Friday, March 13, have left thousands of Indiana Michigan Power customers without electricity.

As of 2 p.m., more than 13,000 customers across the Indiana Michigan Power service area were without power as wind gusts continued to reach between 40 and 60 miles per hour.

Utility officials say the powerful winds, combined with saturated ground from recent rainfall, increase the likelihood that trees and branches could fall onto power lines and electrical equipment, causing outages.

Indiana Michigan Power crews are working to restore service, but officials warn that repairs could take longer than usual due to the weather conditions. Bucket trucks used for restoration work cannot safely operate in high winds.

The utility says it understands outages are disruptive, particularly during the work and school day, and crews will restore power as quickly as conditions allow.

Residents are urged to remain cautious while the strong winds persist. Officials warn people to stay away from downed power lines and anything they may be touching, including fences or other structures. Hazards should be reported to Indiana Michigan Power at 1-800-311-4634 or to local law enforcement.

Wet ground conditions also increase the risk of falling trees and limbs, so residents are advised to remain alert when outdoors.

Drivers should also use caution on the roads. Some traffic signals may be out due to the outages. If a traffic light is not working, motorists should treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Utility officials also remind residents using generators to operate them safely. Appliances should be plugged directly into the generator rather than connected to a home’s electrical system, and gas-powered generators should never be used inside homes, garages, or other enclosed spaces.

Customers can monitor outages and receive restoration updates through the Indiana Michigan Power mobile app or by signing up for text and email alerts.