8:30 Update

MLGW crews continue to work this evening to restore power to customers affected by today's storm. Here are some highlights as of 8:30 pm:

• Currently, there are about 34,500 customers without power.
• MLGW has restored power to more than 36,500 customers.
• A total of 71,000 customers experienced outages as a result of the storm, with a high point of 63,500 customers out at one time.
• Downed trees and power lines are the primary cause of these outages, with the heaviest damage occurring inside the I-240 loop.
• MLGW is still estimating full restoration to occur by the end of the day Friday, though most of the affected customers can expect to have power restored before then.
• MLGW crews are working 16-hour shifts in an effort to restore power, and approximately 50 MLGW crews are currently in the field performing troubleshooting, tree trimming and pole and line repairs.
• In addition, at least 14 additional outside crews from Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee are arriving this evening and will join MLGW’s workforce tomorrow, with more outside crews likely to be added.
• MLGW’s Customer Care Center will also be open overnight to assist customers.
• Customers are asked to call 544-6500 to report an outage and 528-4465 to report emergencies such as downed lines.
• Customers can view MLGW's outage map at www.mlgw.com/outagemap.