Power outage closed schools Monday

Strong winds were considered a factor in a power outage in the center of St. Joseph County early Monday.

Witnesses reported seeing two flashes of light in the sky around 7:10 a.m. A blown transformer or substation knocked out electricity to the village of Centreville, prompting Nottawa, Centreville and Glen Oaks schools to close for the day. In addition, staff at the St. Joseph County Courthouse was told to not report as a result of the lack of power at the building.

Centreville Public Schools Superintendent Chad Brady said a district-wide communication was sent to parents, advising them that bus drivers would be returning students to their homes. In situations where it was confirmed no adult or guardian was home, students were brought to school and supervised until a parent was contacted.

By noon Monday, a Consumers Energy map showed nearly 1,000 customers were still without power.