Muskegon, Mich. — A series of severe storms swept through West Michigan on Tuesday morning, leading to widespread damage and power outages, particularly in Muskegon and Oceana counties.
Power Outages
Over 120,000 people in Michigan are experiencing power outages this morning. Muskegon County is particularly hard-hit, with over 30,000 customers—nearly 40% of the county—without power. Kent County is also severely affected, with nearly 50,000 power outages.
As the storms continue to move across Michigan, additional power outages are being reported. For real-time updates on outages and restoration times, you can check the Consumers Energy outage map https://www.consumersenergy.com/outagemap.
Safety Considerations
Consumers Energy is mobilizing crews to address the outages and is urging West Michiganders to prioritize safety:
- Be aware of crews working along roadsides. Slow down or stop to allow oncoming traffic to clear before passing safely.
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and report any unguarded lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. False reports can delay the restoration process for everyone.
- Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio, or near any air intakes to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For more information on safe generator use, visit Consumers Energy’s guidance page https://www.consumersenergy.com/~/media/CE/Documents/Safety/home-generator-safety.ashx.
- Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees that interfere with electric restoration activities. However, the cleanup of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
- In cases where the mast that holds electric service wires to a home or business has been damaged or torn away, crews will reconnect the wires. However, a licensed electrician must repair or replace the mast or cable.
