(STURGIS) - The City of Sturgis has declared a Local State of Emergency.

City officials say the declaration is related to the widespread and severe damage caused by the storms that moved through the area Wednesday and Thursday. Because of the storms, there is substantial damage to the City's power lines from downed trees and limbs, as well as damaged power poles. The damage is unprecedented for the City's Electric Department.

City of Sturgis Electric Department crews have been working to restore service to Sturgis electric customers since the storms hit the area. Starting Thursday, the City enlisted the assistance of additional line crews through mutual aid to help restore power. It's estimated that initially around 2,900 customers were without power and currently 700 customers still remain without service.

Crews estimate that somewhere around 15 miles of power lines outside the City have been impacted by the storm, including over 40 downed power poles. Much of the damage related to ongoing outages is concentrated on or connected to the City's service line running to the hydro-electric dam north of Centreville. This line runs through mainly rural areas, including heavily-wooded and difficult terrain, slowing the ability of crews to make necessary repairs.

A large part of the significant damage appears to be in the areas between Schrader Road to the south and Banker Road to the North, between North Centreville Road to the east and Shimmel Road to the west.

The latest updates from the Sturgis Electric Department estimate that service to the majority of customers inside the City limits should be restored by the end of the weekend. Sturgis electric customers served from the Mintdale, Shimmel, Balk and Hydro substations can expect significantly longer time frames until service is restored, which could be up to a week. The City estimates that this area may currently include 400 to 500 customers. Crews will be restoring power to these substations and the customers they serve working from south to north.

Customers with new outage issues, those dealing with tree limbs on power lines, or those dealing with other similar issues are asked to call the City of Sturgis Electric 24 hour outage line at 269-659-7255. The City thanks their customers for their continued understanding and patience as it deals with this situation.