KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Consumers Energy is reporting several power outages as a result of major storm weather Tuesday evening.
As of 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, Consumers Energy data indicates that over 170,000 customers throughout the state are without power and over 3,000 are affected in Kalamazoo County.
By 3:30 p.m., fewer than 1,000 Indiana Michigan Power customers also had outages in the Southwest Michigan area.
Crews are hard at work as Tuesday evenings storm took down branches and scattered debris accross roads.
In fact the Village President of Hopkins in Allegan County says he was taking down his hanging flower baskets on his porch when a tree in front of his home came crashing down, nearly hitting him.
In a statement released before the storm hit, Consumers Energy officials notified the public that the company was aware of these possible severe conditions and was prepared to respond to any downed wires and power outages that could occur.
More outages could come throughout the day on Wednesday as severe storms are expected to roll in in the afternoon, especially east of US-131.
Consumers Energy reminds the public to stay at least 25 feet away from a downed wire and anything it is touching. Residents should report downed wires by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
They add that everyone should always assume a downed wire is energized, even if it is not sparking.
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.
Customers can visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter to keep track of how far along power restoration is.
WKZO staff will update this article periodically to reflect changes made in power restorations.