Strong Winds Cause Power Outages, Flight Delays, Damage to Homes

Consumers Energy crews are working to restore service to over 81,000 customers across MI as high winds bring down power lines.

With windy weather in the forecast, Consumers Energy is on alert, preparing to respond to any power outages. Signals along USA 31 at Riley and Felch streets were out, according to Ottawa County Central Dispatch.

Thousands of Consumers Energy customers are without power Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, as several power lines come down in strong, gusty winds. Outages were concentrated in the Grand Rapids and Cadillac areas.

“The calendar may say it’s Christmas Eve, but our crews are on the job, making dangerous situations safe and working to restore power as quickly as possible”, said Mary Palkovich, Consumers Energy vice president of energy delivery. More than 120,000 of them lost power.

Wind gusts could reach 45 miles per hour and up to 55 miles per hour near the lakeshore. It could be Sunday before everyone has power again, according to a company statement issued Thursday morning.

Manthey says he’s hopeful that the crews – which have been working all night – will be able to get more work done soon.