Tens of thousands of people in southeastern Wisconsin were without power as strong winds battered power lines.
According to the We Energies outage map, as of 1:30 p.m. on March 13, approximately 69,000 customers were without power, including 22,000 in Waukesha County and 21,000 in Milwaukee County.
Milwaukee had the most power outages of any city, with 14,000. Waukesha is second with 6,000 people.
A high wind warning is expected to remain in effect for the Milwaukee area until 4 p.m. on March 13.
The National Weather Service in Sullivan is issuing a wind warning until 4 p.m., forecasting winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph.
“Destructive winds will knock down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” the weather service said in a statement.
High winds and power outages are coming as the region prepares for the winter storm. Cold weather on March 14 and heavy snow on March 15 could bring 5 to 8 inches of snow to the Milwaukee area.
This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Thousands lose power in Milwaukee’s Waukesha; high wind warning issued
