Snowstorm knocks down lines, leaves thousands across Wisconsin without power

Snowstorm leaves thousands in Wis. without power

MADISON, Wis. — Winter’s first major snow storm knocked out power to thousands of people across Wisconsin on Wednesday.

Utility officials say heavy snow snapped off tree branches that fell on power lines. Snow-clogged roads and strong winds made repair work slow and difficult.

Alliant Energy spokesman Scott Reigstad said the storm cut power to about 22,000 people in southern Wisconsin.

We Energies officials said about 30,000 people around southeastern Wisconsin lost power. We Energies is the trade name of Wisconsin Electric Power Co. and Wisconsin Gas LLC, the principal utility subsidiaries of Wisconsin Energy Corp.

Wisconsin Public Service Corp., a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group Inc., said about 12,000 people along Lake Michigan were without power, including about 4,000 in Door County and 3,000 in the Marinette area.

The Salvation Army opened a shelter at an Algoma church for people without power. The Red Cross opened a shelter in Marinette and emergency officials in Waukesha County have asked the organization to find a suitable shelter for people in that area.