CASSOPOLIS, Mich. -- Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) is reporting about 6,878 customers still without power as of 11:30 a.m. Monday morning. 

The company says most of the outings are in the townships of Milton, Calvin, Newberg, Jefferson, Silver Creek, Antwerp, Fabius, Waverly, Porter (Van Buren County), Penn, Volinia, Marcellus, Decatur, Wayne, Howard, and Constantine.

"Crews are out in full force this morning to clean up damage and restore power," MEC said. "There is still significant cleanup work to be done, and crews have discovered more than 60 broken poles so far."

Crews ask that bystanders stay 50 feet away (about the length of a semitruck trailer) from any downed or low-hanging power lines as they may be live.

"A low-hanging line could fall at any moment, posing a risk of serious injury," MEC said. "Also, be aware of power lines on your property before cleaning up. For your safety and that of repair crews, please respect utility road closures and do not attempt to talk to crews in the field."