Wixom Hotels Packed as Storms Leave Many without Power
In Wixom, Michigan, storms have caused serious power outages, forcing hundreds of locals to look for a cozy and air-conditioned place to stay as relief from the heat.
My Place Hotel, nestled in the calming landscape of Alpha Drive, experienced a flood of bookings on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. “It was crazy. We went from being a nice slow evening to me standing in one place for four hours doing nothing but answering the phone and checking people in,” said Sally Manley, the relief manager at My Place.
Tonya Etter, a South Lion resident, moved to the hotel with Sasha, her 5-month-old pit bull in tow. After minimal sleep, and a home that was uncomfortably hot, Etter decided to seek shelter in the hotel. She noted that the heat could be fatal to her pup. But securing a room proved challenging due to the high demand.
Power outages affected an estimated 300,000 Michigan residences on Tuesday, following a line of strong thunderstorms. About 150,000 customers still lacked power by Wednesday afternoon. This has resulted in many locals seeking shelter in a number of hotels for a second day in a row.
In the midst of the power-related chaos, My Place Hotel managed to provide shelter to many of these individuals, filling all its 64 rooms on Tuesday night. “That’s the hardest part of your job – when you know that there’s people in need, and you just run out of rooms to offer,” expressed Manley.
Hotels like the Springhill Suites in Wixom, with its 99 rooms, also opened its doors to many residents seeking shelter. Whereas, the Woodspring Suites, located across I-96, was also filled to the brink.
Elizabeth Wister, a Wixom local who lost power in her home, rushed over to Woodspring Suites. “It’s real nice having A.C. You can charge all your devices, and the TV’s working,” she commented.
With the future of the unpredictable weather uncertain, some residents like Wister and Etter have decided to extend their stay at the hotels for at least one more night. For those looking for accommodations in the thick of storms, Manley advises to book the rooms as early as possible.
Power has been restored to over 169,000 customers as of Wednesday evening, and work is in progress to restore power to at least 90% of those affected by the coming of the subsequent night.
