MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — Over 35,000 residents of Muskegon and Ottawa Counties are without power after some Halloween snowfall, Consumers Energy reported.
That number includes Whitehall, the City of Muskegon, Twin Lake, Fruitport, Montague and other communities.
Consumers Energy told 13 ON YOUR SIDE the power outages are weather-related from heavy snowfall and strong winds.
Multiple wires are down, and Muskegon area firefighters and emergency crews are responding.
Consumers reported they are mobilizing crews and forestry resources to both Muskegon and Ottawa Counties.
"The Consumers Energy Storm Team is specifically sending forestry resources to the area as the heavy, wet snow mixed with leaves still on the trees to bring down over 320 downed wires," Consumers said.
Consumers also shared important safety tips for the public:
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed wires, keep children or pets away, and report the issue by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
- A portable generator should be placed at least 25 feet away from any doors, windows or fresh air intakes. Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, basement or enclosed area. Proper ventilation is critical.
- Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
You can see the latest updated outage updates on Consumers Energy's website.
Snow on Halloween isn’t unheard of, but there have only been a handful of years where it’s accumulated across West Michigan.
In Muskegon, 10 Halloweens have seen a trace amount of snow, but no accumulation since 1890.
In terms of the coldest Halloweens, this year will be towards the top. Only five Halloween’s have failed to reach 40° for a high temperature (1906, 1913, 1917, 1932, 1996) at Grand Rapids. In Muskegon, only seven Halloweens have failed to reach 40° for a high temperature.
The 13 ON YOUR SIDE Weather Team says Halloween will have a high of 38°, but it will feel like the upper 20s to low 30s all day long. This comes as the next low-pressure system works into the region, bringing gusty winds, lake-enhanced snow, and system snow. Lake effect has already begun, but the system snow will begin around noon and end around 8 p.m.
Snowfall totals will vary depending on your location. One to 3 inches is likely across the areas where power is most impacted. Totals will likely be closer to 6 inches in isolated locations in Muskegon and Oceana Co.
The lakeshore's first Winter Weather Advisory of the season has been issued by the NWS. Snow will struggle to stick at first, but the rate of snow for locations under the advisory will continue to overcome the warm ground temperatures, bringing some impacts. Bridges and overpasses will become slick and visibility will likely be reduced at times.
Grand Haven's Snug Harbor is also seeing a whiteout Halloween. Here's a snapshot from 13 ON YOUR SIDE's live feed Tuesday afternoon:
Muskegon residents can find indoor trick-or-treating at Norton Shores City Hall. They have a hallway trick-or-treating event from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at 4814 Henry Street.
If you plan on trick-or-treating outdoors, wear weather-appropriate clothes and stay up-to-date with the 13 ON YOUR SIDE forecast here.
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