Consumers Energy is starting an around-the-clock effort to restore power after a line of devastating storms rampaged across Michigan late Thursday and early this morning, delivering powerful winds and hail and toppling trees and power lines.

Some 500 crews from Consumers Energy and Michigan contractors are mobilized to help restore power to over 216,000 homes and businesses. The company also is working to secure more crews to power the restoration effort.

“We recognize that many communities will be waking up to the impact of this tremendous storm system, and our commitment is to help them recover,” said Chris Wisniewski, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for this storm. “That means we will be putting every available resource to work today, ensuring we safely and quickly restore power to customers who count on us.”

The line of storms brought reports of 70 mph winds, tornado sightings, hail and other damage to homes and businesses. High winds should continue through the day Friday, but Consumers Energy will be restoring power as long as it is safe.

View the Outage Map for the latest on restoration efforts in your area.