For the Star Journal

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) crews have restored power to more than 28,000 customers affected by Wednesday’s spring storm. Heavy, wet snow and freezing rain have caused outages across northern Wisconsin. Some of the areas most affected by the outages include communities around the Minocqua, Rhinelander, Wausaukee and Wabeno areas.

As of 2:30 p.m., approximately 24,000 customers remain without power.

WPS crews are seeing significant damage, including downed power lines and tree limbs that have fallen into electric equipment.

Crews are working around the clock to make repairs and restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible. Additional outside crews have been brought in to assist WPS in repairing the outages.

Customers without power can report their outage through the WPS app, website or 800-450-7240.

Customers who come across a downed power line are urged to stay at least 25 feet away. Report downed power lines to WPS or a local law enforcement agency. Customers also are reminded to clear any buildup of snow and ice from natural gas meters and appliance vents.

The latest outage information is available on the WPS outage map.

Numbers of Northwoods WPS customers affected by an electrical outage as of 2:30 p.m.:

Arbor Vitae         701

Boulder Junction              505

Cassian 373

Crescent              602

Elcho     523

Hazelhurst          733

Lac du Flambeau              14755

Lake Tomahawk               563

Minocqua            2524

Newbold             192

Pelican  183

Pine lake              116

Rhinelander       108

St. Germain        449

Three Lakes        1000

Woodruff            3174