WEST MICHIGAN (WKZO AM/FM) — Rain transitioning to freezing rain is causing scattered power outages throughout West Michigan and more is expected as the storm continues.
Consumers Energy’s outage map with updated restoration times can be found here.
They’re reminding the public to stay at least 25 feet away from a downed wire and anything it is touching and report downed wires by calling 911 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
Forecasters say heavy rain, gusty winds to 40 mph, and accumulating ice, sleet, and snow are all expected through early Sunday morning. Impacts will include flooding near and south of I-96, hazardous wintry travel, and some power outages. Updated weather forecasts from The National Weather Service can be found here.
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Consumers Energy also has a list of safety tips when dealing with power outages:
- Protect your equipment from power surges: Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.
- Downed wires can be deadly: If you see a downed wire, please stay at least 25 feet away from it, and anything it is touching. Once you’re safe, call 9-1-1. Then call us at 800-477-5050.
- Dangerous situation or emergency? Call 9-1-1 first if you or anyone near you is at risk. Then alert Consumers Energy next by calling 800-477-5050.
- Stay in the know: The best way to get outage updates is by signing up for alerts. Follow Consumers Energy on Facebook or Twitter.
- Keep track of your Estimated Time of Restoration: Restoration times are estimated and may change as new information becomes available, like when crews on the ground accurately assess the situation.
- During a storm, please limit phone calls to reporting emergencies only. You can get outage alerts sent to you whenever there is new information. Sign up for alerts.
- Ensure your phone has power: Always have an emergency battery or charging station at hand for use during an outage. Conserve phone batteries by reducing screen brightness and using “airplane” mode.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Create a preparedness kit for your car and home. Things to include: Water and canned food, plus a manual can opener. Blankets, flashlights and batteries and a battery-operated radio are also a good idea.
- Stock your pantry: Keep non-perishable food items, a manual can opener and plenty of bottled water on hand.
- Safely operate your generator: Generators can be great to have during an outage, but they can also be dangerous – to you, and to our repair crews. Read and follow Consumer Energy’s tips for safe operation.
The full list can be found here.
