MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich — Consumers Energy is preparing for possible power outages in West Michigan Thursday night due to high winds.
The utility company says that they are pre-staging crews in areas where they expect the greatest damage will be, as well as prepping trucks and equipment to respond to outages.
Wind gusts as high as 55mph are expected along the lakeshore, with sustained winds over 40mph in some areas.
The National Weather Service says they are expecting the strongest wind gusts to affect the lakeshore from Muskegon, north to Boyne City. The 13 ON YOUR SIDE Weather Department expects the winds to be strongest between 7 p.m. and midnight on Thursday.
Winds are expected to be stronger in northern Michigan as well as part of the Upper Peninsula.
Consumers Energy is warning people to stay at least 25 feet away from any downed powerlines and to report the issue by calling 911 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
Consumers Energy provided preparation tips for severe weather:
- Charge all electronic devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.
- Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.
- Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.
The utility company also shared storm safety tips:
- 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.
- In addition to moving your generator outdoors and away from your home doors and intakes, don’t run your vehicles in a garage or use your gas stove for heat. If you have a fireplace, ensure the flue is open and only use if it’s been cleaned and serviced this year.
- Be alert to crews working along slick roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
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