Hundreds of crews have already been mobilized in the Grand Rapids, Flint and Jackson areas.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — With forecasts showing the potential for severe storms on Wednesday, Consumers Energy is already preparing crews to respond.
Thunderstorms are anticipated to begin Wednesday afternoon and continue into the evening. The main threats are damaging winds, hail and heavy rain that could cause localized flooding. A spin-up tornado is also possible.
Over 485 Consumers Energy crews have already been dispatched to Grand Rapids, Flint and Jackson. Crews started moving trucks and materials on Tuesday.
Contract workers from other Midwest energy companies have also been called in.
“We know how challenging summer weather can be, from heatwaves to sudden storms,” said David Hicks, one of Consumers Energy’s officers in charge for the storm event. “Our crews are ready, and our systems are being monitored around the clock. We will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore any service interruptions.”
Consumers Energy released these tips to keep in mind:
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, and to report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
- 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. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
- Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
- Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
- In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.
Stay with the 13 Weather Impact Team on Wednesday for up-to-date information.