HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Between 6 p.m. and midnight today, Tuesday, June 9, 2020, high winds, possible thunderstorms and a slight chance of a tornado, according to the National Weather Service meteorologists in Grand Rapids.
While the bulk of the storm is expected pirmarily north of Holland, wing gusts to 45 mphand possibly 60 mph are possible. Scattered power outages may occur.
Storms that blow through over the next several days could include large hail, damaging winds, and even a tornado are possible on Wednesday — mostly east of Highway 131 in the afternoon, including Lansing, Jackson, Alma, and Mt Pleasant.
Consumers Energy officials have announced their crew ares prepared to respond to the expected hazardous weather, noting the storms can also produce downed wires and power outages.
“While Consumers Energy greatly appreciates residents who often come out of their homes to talk with us when we arrive to restore power, ” they said in the statement emailed to media, “during this COVID-19 situation, we respectfully ask you to remain at least six feet away from crews and their equipment. Give us a wave from your front door and we’ll go about our restoration work. Thank you.”
The utility company is reminding people to stay at least 25 feet away from a downed wire and anything it is touching. Report downed wires by calling 911 and Consumers Energy at (800) 477-5050. Always assume a downed wire, even if not sparking, is energized.
If you 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.
Visit the Consumers Energy Outage Center at ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter for the latest on storm restoration times, tips on what customers can do before, during and after a storm and how to sign up for free outage alerts.
