February 2023 Ice Storm and Power Outages

On February 22, 2023, an ice storm struck southeast Michigan, causing widespread power outages and hazardous conditions. At the peak of the storm, almost 78,000 customers, or 45% of Washtenaw County, were without power, and many residents were without electricity for up to a week. Overnight Warming Centers were established in Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Twp, and Ann Arbor to help those without power stay warm in frigid temperatures, which dropped to the teens and 20s. The storm deposited 0.65" of ice accretion in Ann Arbor, the highest reported total in the state. The most severe ice storm in decades closed government offices and schools on Wednesday and Thursday, with some schools remaining closed through the weekend due to the impact on infrastructure.