GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As the threat of severe weather approaches West Michigan, Consumers Energy is preparing to keep the power on during the storm.
While most of Tuesday's weather was bright and sunny, Consumers said that didn't stop them from being ready for things to make a sudden change.
Brian Wheeler at Consumers says the biggest cause for concern is the high winds that are expected, saying anything above 50 miles per hour can down trees and power lines. He said that while this is an unusual weather event for this time of year, abnormally nice days like we had today allow crews to better work on solutions to preventing power outages.
"We prepare as if it will be the worst," said Wheeler. "So we've heard there is a low chance of tornadoes, but we have to be ready in case that happens. You really have to prepare for the most severe outcome to happen. The good news is that when the weather is better, when we don't have storms, we're spending a lot of time and effort, in some cases, to bury power lines, to do more forestry work, to add technology to the system so that we really can reduce the number of outages and their length."
He also said crews are fully prepared to work when and if needed.
"Our crews can work up to 16 hours at a time," said Wheeler. "Many of them are going to be starting their shifts this evening as that weather comes through. And then they have to work overnight or have to work tomorrow morning. They will help Consumers Energy to get the power back on."
Wheeler suggested making sure your phones are charged before the storm begins and keeping an eye on the Consumers Energy website for the latest outage updates.
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