With power restored to most customers, more than 800 crews are working today across the Lower Peninsula to turn the lights back on for Michiganders impacted by last weekend’s storms.

“We won’t stop until the job is finished,” said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for restoration. “The damage created by this storm was significant and our lineworkers are giving their all to help those impacted communities by safely restoring their power as quickly as possible. We are deeply grateful for our customers’ patience.”

Consumers Energy has restored power to over 65% of about 260,000 customers affected by the weekend weather. Work will continue in the hardest hit areas, particularly in ice-covered Northern Michigan and the storm-swept southern central region of the state.

Consumers Energy today is warning Michigan residents to be aware and prepare for severe weather through most of the day Wednesday that likely will deliver high winds, hail and the potential for more ice.

The company is monitoring the weather forecast intensely and preparing for another wave of storms by continuing to add more lineworkers and resources as around-the-clock efforts continue.

“Mother Nature has dealt Michigan a big blow, but our crews are up the challenge,” Kapala said.

Consumers Energy will offer a free meal to customers today, beginning at 4 p.m. at the E-Free Church Gaylord Campus (1649 M-32 in Gaylord).