Ice Storm 2025 Update #1

On Saturday, Northern Michigan was hit with a substantial ice storm that knocked down trees and power throughout Emmet County, Charlevoix, Otsego and other areas. Many of us are still without power or heat. The City of Harbor Springs restored power to residents starting last night (Wednesday). The neighboring townships are still without power. Great Lakes Energy, which provides power to Petoskey and neighboring townships, has more than 800 poles down. All of Petoskey was without any power until Tuesday. (Outage Map)

It is impossible to summarize the devastation. Many yards look like logging operations from fallen limbs and trees. Damage is worse northeast of Harbor Springs into Gaylord. It will likely take some time to restore power to everyone. Repairs will consume the efforts of the local workforce for the next couple of months. Area businesses will have challenges balancing the cost of the damage and ramping up for summer activity.

It is a lot to take in if you live here. Everyone is chipping in to help emergency services, the elderly, and 1000s of other details required for the most basic needs.

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## The Brief - Now in day six, ten counties in Northern Michigan are under a state of emergency - no power, heat, etc.

- Shelters have opened, and many are helping with meals, cleaning, and comforting people who cannot stay in their homes.

- The City Facebook page, HS Police Facebook page, Petoskey Facebook Page, and the City website provide updates when they can.

- The utilities, City, police, fire, and other emergency services are working hard in a complex situation.

- If you see opportunities to do better, keep those thoughts for later when we all have an opportunity to reflect after the emergency settles down.

- Many people need the basics. Reach out to those you know and ask how you can help.

- Signup for the City Emails to stay up to date

- Text: "HARBORSPRINGS" to 91896 to receive updates on your phone

## Help Needed Several people and businesses need help. Please send additions to our list so we can distribute the information to subscribers.

- If you can not find help (non-emergency) feel free to reach out to weloveharborsprings@gmail.com, and we will try to track down some answers.

- Many of our small businesses are reaching out for help; just trying to make ends meet for the next two to three weeks.

- Bear Creek Organic has set up a Go Fund me page

- Petoskey Cheese is asking people to buy gift certificates to use next summer so they can have money today to restock all the food that has spoiled.

- Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation has launched an Emergency Response Fund to support local recovery efforts.

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## Related Posts State Senator John N. Damoose posted an update that explains the vast damage and repair efforts (Link)

Midday Update: **Progress is being made, but the emergency continues…

I just wanted to provide an update with information we’ve learned this morning, both by attending the Emmet Country Emergency Management meeting with the Governor, by seeing some real local heroes at the Odawa Casino, and by being in contact with different leaders throughout the state.

Communications: Cell phone communications remain a problem in parts of the region. Damage to towers and access for fueling generators is the problem. Thank you to Harbor Springs School District for helping with a temporary solution in one of the critical areas. Also, the National Guard is checking and servicing 911 towers in remote parts of the district.

Safety: At this morning’s briefing, it was made very clear that one of the top concerns in the coming days is people being injured while working to clean up their property. Especially with temperatures rising and the winds subsiding, I know all of us are going to want to get to work on downed branches and other damage. But trees that were covered in ice remain unstable and pose a real danger to the public. I have been asked to inform people to “wait until trees return to their stable form before beginning any clean-up activities.”

Power: This is obviously the big one. Consumers Energy was represented at the meeting this morning. As of 11pm last night, they had 50,000 without power. That is down to 39,000 this morning. They’ve replaced 77 miles of cables, 164 transformers and 384 poles, with another 800 to go. They believe most of their customers have power by Friday evening. Great Lakes Energy is not as good a picture right now. We’ve been unable to get solid estimates, but know that many of their customers are in the worst hit locations. I was told this morning my own power may be out for another 10 days – which is bad news, but better than no news. We are pushing for more information and to see how the state can provide assistance to GLE that will speed the process.

Antrim County: Evidently things have really stabilized in Antrim County and cleanup is beginning in earnest. While some are still in crisis, help is definitely on the way.

Charlevoix County: Some are reporting that Charlevoix is 95% of the way through the first phase and cleanup will also begin shortly. Importantly, we are trying to get some National Guard assistance on Beaver Island, which has its own set of unique challenges due to its remoteness.

Mackinac County/Eastern Upper Peninsula: All shelters plan to close today because most of the power outages have been repaired. Fewer than 1000 people remain without power, leaving Mackinac County at 8% of households in the dark, with teams quickly repairing the remaining damage. With the bridge reopening, fuel tankers are on the way, supplies are being replenished, and the concerns about a gasoline crisis seem to have been averted for now. The St. Ignace warming center is transitioning into temporary base housing for the Michigan National Guard teams assisting in the area.

Cheboygan/Emmet County: This is where the bulk of the problem remains since it was the hardest hit – at least in the area I represent. Otsego, Presque Isle and Alpena Counties were similarly devastated, and though they are outside my district, I know authorities are working hard there as well. Food and water has been readily available. Thanks to so many generous people and businesses, supplies have been fairly plentiful. What we need now is the National Guard to continue to help open roads and the power companies to keep working round the clock, which is happening. Having the Governor in Emmet County this morning was helpful – as I told her, she needed to see the damage first hand to understand it. Even once we are through the emergency stage, we are going to need help with debris removal and so much more. I believe the administration is committed to helping long term, and we will push to make sure we get the needed assistance.

Please note that the Pellston Airport shelter is going to be transitioned over to the nearby Braveheart Estates so that the airport can reopen.

Especially important for those in the most remote areas: you are not forgotten. It takes additional time to get resources and repairs to you, but outside resources are pouring in for this specific purpose. If you have any special concerns, please reach out to my office at 517-373-2413 and call your local police or Sheriff’s Department. There are some things we can handle ourselves or we will direct you to the proper authorities.

I’ll share more as we learn more. Remember to dial 211 for non-emergency help and 911 for emergency assistance. But for now, don’t be fooled by the sunshine – trees are still very dangerous, and it’s worth waiting a few more days until it is safer to begin the cleanup.

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