File photo
File photo
Ameren Illinois sought help from out-of-state utility companies after more than 55,000 customers lost power in severe storms, WAND-17 reported.
LaSalle County was the hardest hit followed by Bureau, Henry, Peoria and Tazewell, Ameren said.
The company activated its emergency operation center, then requested crews from other states under the Midwest Mutual Assistance Group, according to TV station reports.
In Macon County alone, 1,000 customers lost power. Thousands lost power in Champaign County, the station said.
Ameren was seeking loaner crews to help restore downed power lines.
The utility warns customers to stay away from downed power lines and trees. Debris could obscure lines that have been knocked down, the company said. It also warns customers, especially seniors who lost power, to be careful because of the heat and humidity. They should consider going to a place with air conditioning until power has been restored.
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