Do Not Approach DTE Linesman, Metro Detroit Councilmember Warns

ECORSE, MI — A metro Detroit Councilmember warned residents in her district to not approach DTE linesman as they work to restore power in the community.

Ecorse Councilmember Gabrielle Worthy issued the stern warning on Facebook, and told residents the linesman will stop working out of concern for their safety, delaying the restoration efforts.

"Please do not bum rush the DTE crews," Worthy said in the post. "After speaking with them on the phone they have made it clear that if they come to a scene and are bumbarded [sic] by residents, they will and can leave the area."

As of Friday afternoon, more than 80,000 DTE customers were still without power in the metro Detroit area after severe storms moved through the area Wednesday.

DTE said linesman restored power to over 70 percent of those effected by the storms and were focused on restoring power to all affected communities. DTE officials also urged residents to watch for and stay at least 25 feet away from any downed lines.

Meteorologists expect another round of severe thunderstorms to hit the area Friday afternoon. Some of those storms can produce heavy rainfall, large hail, damaging wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour and even a possible tornado.