Editor’s note: This story will be updated as the storm progresses. For area cancellations — and a few beyond this area — visit whtc.com/cancellations.
HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) –With ice glazing trees and power lines, Ottawa and Allegan counties appeared to escape significant power outages, thanks to calm winds as morning crept in on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020.
As of 4 a.m. Sunday, Holland BPW was reporting no power outages. Consumers Energy’s outage map showed 121 outages affecting nearly 5,000 across the state, including nearly 400 customers living north of Hopkins were without power, as were about 200 Salem Township-area customers, about 250 Byron Center-area customers; and a few much-smaller clusters scattered around Ottawa and Allegan counties.
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids did issue a flood warning for the Grand River in Robinson Township, based on the amount of rain that fell Saturday, and the impending thaw.
Some Sunday cancellations are being reported. Find the list at whtc.com/cancellations.
Saturday, Jan. 11: A smattering of power outages happened at the start of a winter storm that Consumers Power officials predicted could be “devastating.” As of 4 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, nearly 750 Byron Township customers were without power, an outage near Spring Lake Township had been repaired, and nearly 1,000 customers living in Muskegon’s Lakeside area, south of Muskegon Lake, were in the dark. In all, Consumers’ crews were dealing with 44 outages affecting just over 2,500 customers.
Police and emergency managers, and Homeland Security officials across the state were on alert, too, ready for the affects of rain, ice, snow, travel issues, and power outages. Michigan State Police emailed a statement to media, quoting Gov. Getchen Whitmer, who said keeping Michiganders safe during severe weather is one of her top priorities.
“My office, along with state departments, will be closely monitoring weather conditions as they develop and proactively coordinating with emergency managers to support local response efforts as appropriate,” she said. “We are also encouraging Michiganders to be safe and take precautions during these extreme weather conditions that are being predicted this weekend.”
The National Weather Service meteorologists out of Grand Rapids predicted 2 to 4 inches of rain, with a transtion to freezing rain and sleet, and snow by late Saturday afternoon.
That makes flooding in low-lying areas likely, continued erosion along the Lakeshore, with the ice creating dangerous travel conditions and power outages.
Tips from the MSP statement include:
During a power outage
- Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards to police and the utility company.
- Use battery powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles to light homes without electrical power.
- Avoid actions that can result in dangerous levels of carbon monoxide:
- Do not use a grill indoors.
- Do not use an non-vented gas or kerosene heater.
- Do not use a generator inside a home or garage. Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
- Do not use an oven or stove to heat your home.
- Use extreme caution when driving, especially if traffic signals are out.
To stay safe during a winter storm
- Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, wear protective gear, such as hats, mittens, gloves, scarf and a warm coat.
- Watch for signs of frostbite, which include loss of feeling or pale appearance of fingers, toes or face.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, drowsiness and exhaustion.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.
- Watch pets closely and keep them indoors when possible. Animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries.
- Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. Put warm clothing, such as gloves, blankets and hats, in your kit in case you become stranded.
Safe winter driving tips
- Check the weather before leaving for a destination. If the weather forecast looks dangerous, reschedule or postpone the driving trip, if possible.
- Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to clear snow from the roads.
- Keep tires at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure during cold weather.
- Make sure the windshield solvent reservoir is full and check the condition of all wiper blades and replace when necessary.
- Wash your vehicle for better visibility to other drivers. Remove ice and snow from all lights, windows and license plate before driving.
Preparing for a flood
- Create an emergency preparedness kit with a 72-hour supply of water, including three gallons per person. Include extra water if you have pets.
- Put important documents and valuables in a water-proof container on the top floor of your home.
- Create an inventory of your household items and take photos of the interior and exterior of your home.
- Double-check sump pumps to ensure they are working properly. If possible, have a battery backup system.
- Make sure your neighborhood storm drains are clear of debris. Clogged storm drains contribute to flooded roadways.
Driving in a flood
- Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down; 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around, don’t drown.
- Do not try to take short cuts, they may be blocked. Stick to designated routes.
- Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of year, but especially during the winter months. If you are stranded in a winter storm, do not leave your vehicle. Stay with the vehicle and wait for help.
Motorists are encouraged to check travel conditions and weather reports before driving at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions. Major road closures can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive. The MSP/EMHSD asks that you tune into local news and/or view these websites rather than calling your local MSP post or 911 for travel conditions.
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.
