Tree branches snapped and power flickered at homes and schools around the Grosse Pointes Monday as high winds whipped through the area. Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety Officers went door-to-door shortly after 4 p.m. warning of the potential hazard the down lines may have upon a fence.

Officer recommend keeping kids and pets inside and to stay away from the fence.

Earlier Grosse Pointe Woods police reported that Parcells Middle School was evacuated due to a fire alarm as result of a power failure Monay afternoon, but no fire occurred.

Mason, Parcells and Grosse Pointe North officials are being advised to inform their students to stay out of the area and take alternate walking routes after dismissal.

Many businesses were without power on Mack from Vernier to Lochmoor on the west side of the street.

Power lines were reported down on the following streets: Van Antwerp, Roslyn, Norwood, Vernier and Country Club.

Vernier Road was blocked off by public safety officers from I-94 to Mack Avenue, backing up traffic and forcing motorists to choose an alternate route, according to one Patch reader.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory about 11:45 a.m. Monday warning of 25 to 35 mile-per-hour winds with gusts reaching up to 50 miles per hour. The advisory is in effect unitl 8 p.m.

The southwest winds were picking up as a cold front moved through southeastern Michigan. There are 17 counties on the advisory, including Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties.

DTE reported about 1500 people in the Pointes were without power Monday afternoon.

Motorists could also expect the high winds to impact driving, especially with SUVs or other high-profile vehicles and were advised to use caution.

Loose items, such as a garbage can lids or other small objects are likely to be blown about during the high winds, according to the advisory.

The cold front is expected to lower the warm temperatures late in the day and Tuesday is expected to be mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid-50s.

This story was updated about 4:17 p.m. with additional information.