Consumers Energy is preparing for what they view as a potentially “devastating” winter storm beginning early Saturday. Freezing rain is expected to begin across much of south central Michigan Saturday morning and continue for several hours.
This storm will likely lead to downed wires and power outages that could last several days. Hazardous road conditions during and immediately after the storm may delay restoration and damage assessment work according to Consumers Energy as they keep safety their top priority.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 7 AM Saturday to 10 AM Sunday for the following Michigan Counties: Jackson Van Buren, Kalamazoo and Calhoun. The entire lower peninsula has Winter Storm Warnings or Watches and/or Flood Watches throughout the weekend.
Heavy mixed precipitation is expected. Total sleet accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of one quarter to one half of an inch are expected. Northeast winds may gust as high as 40 mph.
In southern lower Michigan, roughly along I-94, the transition from rain to freezing precipitation will begin by mid-morning Saturday. The National Weather Service says a half inch to three quarters of an inch of ice and 1 inch of sleet are possible. Consumers Energy says a half inch of ice can add as much as 500 pounds to a span of power lines.
Considerable tree debris and prolonged power outages are possible. Travel impacts are likely due to at least modest ice accumulation even if road temperatures start off warm. As much as 2 to 3 inches of liquid rain may fall before changing to a wintry mix as well, leading to flooding of low-lying areas and roadways and rapid rises in rivers.
A Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday night. Multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rain are expected to develop overnight Friday and continue through Sunday morning. Total rain amounts in the 2 to 3 inch range are likely, with some locations exceeding 3 inches by the time precipitation ends late Saturday.
Flooding of low-lying areas and along small creeks and streams is likely. In addition, significant river flooding may develop later this weekend and into next week.
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 arcing and sparking, is energized.
Consumers Energy encourages the public to visit the Consumers Energy Outage Center at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter for the latest on storm restoration times, tips on what customers can do before, during and after a storm and how customers can sign up for free outage alerts.
In addition to being aware of possible downed wires, the public is 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.
