Power outages
As of noon Saturday, Indiana Michigan Power Co. estimated that as many as 104,000 customers are awaiting restoration of service after high winds swept through the region, bringing wind with gusts of up to 91 mph recorded in Fort Wayne. Downed trees and limbs fell on power lines. The problem was exacerbated by Saturday's storm, which brought more outages. I&M estimated earlier Saturday that the outages for some could last until midnight Wednesday.
About 200 extra workers from eastern Michigan, southern Illinois,
Kentucky, West Virginia and Oklahoma have arrived or are on their way to work on the restoration of power.
Animal shelter without AC
Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is without power and air conditioning for the animals in its care. Adoption animals have been sent to other locations with power for the next few days to allow staff to concentrate on caring for stray animals and keeping them coo, according to spokeswoman Peggy Bender.
Shelter officials are asking that residents not relinquish their own pets to the shelter throughout the weekend unless absolutely necessary. Stray animals will be accepted and the shelter depository will remain open to receive strays. Residents can check the shelter's website for updates at www.fwacc.org or call Monday at 427-1244.
Animal control officers are available to respond to calls as normal throughout the weekend.
VA hospital accepting patients again
VA Northern Indiana Health Care System Fort Wayne campus is operational and accepting patients again, according to a news release midmorning Saturday. The center had some power problems after Friday's storm that resulted in it recommending that veterans seek treatment at other hospitals.
Parks department news
The BritBeat concert scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday at Foellinger Theatre will still go on. There are seats available for the concert and the box office is open for those who would like to purchase tickets.
Northside, Memorial and McMillen pools will open 1- 2 hours late Saturday. Staff is still cleaning up storm damage. Regular admission prices will apply. Admission had been waived Thursday and Friday because of high temperatures.
