HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — High winds Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, cut power to some Consumers Energy customers and a few Holland BPW customers, according to each utility’s outage maps. Consumers’ outage map showed more than 500 outages across Michigan, affecting nearly 19,000 customers.
The entire City of South Haven lost power, when the main line into city lost service, according to supplier AEP, which didn’t have an estimate No time estimate for power to return
South Haven Bronson Hospital diverting emergency care patients to other hospitals, according to South Haven Area fire officials.
Wind gusts were hitting close to 55 mph during the morning, toppling trees in and around Holland.
Counties hardest hit by the high wind interruptions include: Genesee, 17,855; Monroe, 10,496; Saginaw, 10,481 and Kent, 9,985, according to the utility company.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our customers as we work as quickly and safely as possible to restore service,” Guy Packard, vice president of electric operations, said in the statement. “We encourage the public to be safe, and watch for repair crews working along roads into the night.”
Safety tips from Consumers Energy include:
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and keep children and pets away. Watch for downed lines when clearing fallen limbs and debris. Call 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 to report downed wires.
- If operating a generator be aware that improper use may produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement or near any air intakes, and never fuel a generator when it is running.
- Be alert to crews working along roads and “slow down and go around.” Drivers are urged to slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear then safely pass workers on roadsides.
- Customers can sign up to get outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message. Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts. Customers can also report an outage, check the status of an outage and get useful tips about what to do before, during and after a storm by visiting www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter.
- To view specific counties and regions most affected by electric interruptions, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageMap.
