GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — With several rounds of winter weather heading into West Michigan this week, crews are preparing to respond to slippery roads and potential power outages.
The first wave of snowfall is expected Tuesday into Wednesday. Northern counties could see seven inches of snow or more, while central and southern counties will see significantly lower snowfall totals due to rain.
Consumers Energy said they are preparing for Tuesday’s weather in case blustery conditions cause power outages. Crews are being organized ahead of time in hopes of responding to any outages and restoring power quickly. Officials say the most widespread impact will be along the lakeshore.
The Kent County Road Commission is also preparing for the snowfall and encouraging drivers to be careful on snowy roads. Drivers are asked to be aware of snow plows on the road and give crews plenty of space. Drivers should also give themselves extra time on their commute if roads conditions deteriorate.
Consumers Energy is encouraging Michiganders to prepare for the upcoming weather by doing the following:
- Charge all electronic devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.
- Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.
- Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.
If power is lost and you choose to use a generator, the following precautions should be taken:
- A portable generator should be placed at least 25 feet away from any doors, windows or fresh air intakes. Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, basement or enclosed area. Proper ventilation is critical.
- In addition to moving your generator outdoors and away from your home doors and intakes, don’t run your vehicles in a garage or use your gas stove for heat. If you have a fireplace, ensure the flue is open and only use if it’s been cleaned and serviced this year.
Additional rounds of snowfall are expected in West Michigan later this week, with the potential for totals in the double digits by the weekend.
See the full forecast here. Stick with the 13 ON YOUR SIDE Weather Team for the latest updates.
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