ALPENA — Starting late Friday night, Northeast Michigan was struck by a rare late-winter ice storm, causing the loss of power for tens of thousands of people in the region.

The storm dropped nearly a half-inch of ice, covering trees that eventually fell onto powerlines, power poles, cars, and houses. Many trees also fell across roads, making them impassable.

Power officials continue to work on power restoration with the help of their mutual energy partners from around the state. There is no timeline for when power will be restored to everyone, and it could take up to five days or more for power to be returned to some in the area.

Some power has been restored to Alpena Power Company customers in Alpena, as of Monday night. Utility workers tend to work around the clock to restore power for everyone.

The loss of power forced nearly all of the businesses in Northeast Michigan to close, leaving people few options to get needed supplies and gasoline for their vehicles and generators.

The Meijer gas station in Alpena was the lone gas station open, for the most part, and lines of cars stretched down the highway and sideroads with customers waiting hours in line for fuel.

On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency which will send needed resources and manpower to the area.

Congressman Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, said in a press release on Monday, “Our Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula counties have received unprecedented damage over the weekend from a historic ice storm. I’m grateful Governor Whitmer has declared this important State of Emergency and appreciate the resources the Emergency Operation Center has already provided to our First District counties. We cannot express in words how thankful we are for all of the hard work of all of our linemen and First Responders doing everything they can to help our communities.”

Alpena Mayor Cindy Johnson said the ice storm was a storm like no other in Alpena. She encourages everyone to show compassion and work with others in the community to provide assistance, warmth, and power to those who need it.

“During this unprecedented weather event, we hope everyone is safe,” she said. “When power starts coming on across the county, if you are fortunate enough to get power, check in with friends and family to see if they need to warm up, charge their devices, or get a hot cup of coffee. We will get through this together, and small acts of kindness matter. Emergency personnel are available and ready to respond. Please check for updates for available shelters and resources; you are not alone.”

Getting news and updates out to people in Northeast Michigan has been a challenge. Local media, including The News, have been hampered by not only a loss of power but also a loss of internet and phone systems.

Many people sat in their vehicles to charge their devices and scoured social media for updates, information, and to encourage one another.

Some in the community helped others by cutting trees that were blocking people’s driveways, borrowing heaters and generators, and even opening their homes to those who needed to warm up and charge their devices.

Many businesses in the local food industry, knowing that their food could spoil, provided meals and local warm-up shelters, while others used food trucks to feed those who were hungry.

First responders and energy companies reported more than 200 downed powerlines on Saturday night alone.

As power crews worked to connect one line, trees would fall, taking out others, which created a dangerous environment for them.

First responders in Alpena County were able to fill their vehicles with gas at the Holcim plant in Alpena.

Local officials say it will take time for all the needed cleanup to take place and are asking the public for their patience.

Alpena County Administrator Jesse Osmer said a typical storm of any kind normally impacts certain regions within the county. The ice storm over the weekend was historic. He said the county has worked and will continue to work with its partners until everyone has their power returned.

“In most emergencies, only portions of the county would be impacted but this time, our entire county and neighboring counties have been affected,” he said. “What happened in Alpena is unprecedented, it is something few — if any — have experienced in our lifetime. We will continue to focus on collecting resources and working to ensure those who are seeking help get the help we are able to provide.”

Unfortunately, the area may not be out of the woods yet as the National Weather Service is monitoring another winter storm that could include freezing rain, heavy snow, and high winds beginning Wednesday afternoon. Those conditions potentially could hinder restoration efforts or even result in more loss of power.

Alpena Power Company, Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-Op, and Consumers Energy have released periodic updates on their restoration efforts and will continue to do so.