GRAND RAPIDS, Mich —
Severe thunderstorms have started to sweep the region Wednesday, leaving behind damage and power outages.
The National Weather Service expected the storms to start around noon and last until around 9 p.m. for much of lower Michigan.
The heavy rains could lead to flooding Thursday, especially near the lakeshore.
The NWS said the storms could produce damaging wind gusts of around 70 mph, large hail up to an inch and even a few tornadoes. Communities in the path of the storm, including Grand Rapids, Ionia and Portland, were encouraged to take shelter.
"Make sure you have a way to receive warnings and say weather aware if you are out and about" the NWS tweeted.
At one point, the storms knocked out power to more than 240,000 Consumers Energy customers. That number is now closer to 150,000.
In Kent County, just over 20,000 people are without power and in Ottawa County, around 11,000 people. In Muskegon County, around 2,700 customers are still in the dark as of 5 a.m. Thursday, June 11.
Consumers said over 230 employee and contractor crews were working to help customers affected by the storms. Consumers Energy expects restoration work will continue through Friday for most of the impacted customers. Restoration for some of the hardest hit areas such as Branch, Calhoun, Jackson, Kent and Saginaw counties may continue into the weekend.
PHOTOS: Storm damage across West Michigan
Storm Safety
Consumers Energy reminds the public to stay at least 25 feet away from a downed wire and anything it is touching. Report downed wires by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Always assume a downed wire, even if not sparking, is energized.
Customers are also reminded, if they lose power, to never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Portable generators should be operated 25 feet outside of any building, away from windows, doors and vents.
RELATED VIDEO:
MORE on 13 ON YOUR SIDE:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.