Winds Knock Out Power to Thousands

Nov 13, 2003
By The Associated Press

Strong winds swept through much of the Midwest and Great Lakes, temporarily knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of people.

High winds in southern Michigan knocked down trees and power lines — leaving at least 87,000 customers without power Wednesday night. The National Weather Service reported winds of 50 to 60 mph in some locations.

About 40,000 customers in northern Illinois also remained without power late Wednesday. Winds there measured between 30 and 40 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, Weather Service meteorologist Casey Sullivan said.

The gusts initially knocked out power to more than 140,000 northern Illinois customers throughout the day, but power was restored to most homes by Wednesday night, ComEd spokesman Ernesto Duran said.

The weather caused delays of up to 90 minutes at Midway and O'Hare airports, Chicago Department of Aviation spokeswoman Monique Bond said. She said a "couple dozen" incoming and outgoing flights were canceled.

Heavy winds in Wisconsin sent a crane into a hospital addition in Milwaukee and caused temporary power outages. In Ohio, powerful storms destroyed several homes and businesses and threatened flooding.

Also Wednesday, a 74-year-old woman in Des Moines, Iowa, was injured when strong winds yanked her out of her house, police said.

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