STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Electric utility crews continue working to restore power to nearly 7,000 customers, most in the Minocqua area, following severe storms that passed through the area starting around 11 p.m. Sunday.

A light pole along Highway 70 West in Minocqua tilted over the roadway after a severe Thunderstorm traveled through the area late Sunday night. Photo by Kevin Boneske.

Wisconsin Public Service reports that by noon today, service has been restored to 10,000 customers in the WPS territory. Crews continue to see numerous broken power poles, downed trees and downed wires. People are reminded to stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and should treat any downed line they come across as energized. WPS encourages everyone to report any downed wires or broken poles to them and to local law enforcement immediately.

Crews are expected to work around the clock into Tuesday to bring power back for customers in the hardest-hit areas, which include Lakeland and Wausau.