FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) –

UPDATE: At 5 p.m. Sunday, I&M reports 10,000 customers without power.

Although crews worked throughout the day to restore thousands of customers’ power, the continuing strong winds caused additional outages.

Previous story below.

Almost 6,000 Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) customers are without power as the area experiences wind gusts up to 64 miles per hour.

As of noon Sunday, I&M reports 400 employees and contractors are out restoring power to those who have lost service.

The approximate number of customers who lost service in each area is as follows:

• Northeast Indiana, including Fort Wayne: 1,200
• North-central Indiana, including South Bend and Elkhart: 150
• East-central Indiana, including Muncie and Marion: 3,100
• Southwest Michigan: 1,500

I&M strongly encourages the public to be aware of the dangers posed by strong winds, including downed power lines. If you see one, report it immediately by calling 800-311-4634 (Indiana) or 800-311-6424 (Michigan).

While driving, watch out for flying debris, and downed trees and branches.