Consumers Energy Preparing for Two Rounds of Thunderstorms to Hit Michigan Starting Late Tuesday

Consumers Energy is preparing for two rounds of spring thunderstorms to arrive in Michigan late Tuesday, ensuring that crews will be ready if strong winds cause power outages.

The Consumers Energy Storm Restoration Team is preparing crews of electric lineworkers in advance to respond quickly to any outages, and is preparing trucks and essential materials needed to assist with any restoration efforts.

A reg flag warning is in effect for Tuesday afternoon; increasing winds and dry conditions have elevated the risk of wildfire. The first round of thunderstorms, including rain and wind gusts of up to 50 mph, will arrive Tuesday night and continue through early Wednesday morning. On Wednesday afternoon, a second round of stronger storms is expected to track across the state, with some possible severe storms. 

To help the public prepare for what to do before, during and after a storm, Consumers Energy encourages customers to visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter for helpful tips. Customers also can visit the online outage map, report an outage and sign up to receive power restoration updates. Customers should also download the Consumers Energy app. 

Customers should stay away from downed wires and anything they are touching, keep children and pets away, and report the issue by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.

Some preparation tips for potential severe weather include:

·            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.·             

Consumers Energy also urges the public to keep these other important storm safety tips in mind:
·            A portable generator should be placed 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 roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.