The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning that includes Jackson, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. As pf 9 am Friday, the warning is in effect from 7 am Saturday to 10 am Sunday. Consumers Energy is calling this storm potentially “devastating.” (see note at bottom).

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total sleet
  accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of one
  quarter to one half of an inch are expected. Northeast winds
  may gust as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Jackson counties.

* WHEN...From 7 AM Saturday to 10 AM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
  ice. Travel will be difficult due to icing on roadways.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The greatest icing is expected across
  northern parts of the warned areas.

As noted, power outages and tree damage are possible. If you experience an outage, you can keep tabs by going to the Consumers Energy outage page from your smart phone. You can also sign up to have text messages sent to you regarding your situation. Click here to find it.

A Plus Electric is standing by if you need help, (517) 529-0000.

The first concern is your safety and those around you. Consumers Energy says “stay at least 25 feet away from a downed wire.” They add “steer clear of water, trees, debris and fences” nearby and contact them as soon as possible (800-477-5050). Carl Evanson, A Plus Electric’s master electrician, adds another note of caution “a downed wire can electrify areas much farther away than you’d guess, as electricity disburses in surprising ways. The results can be tragic.”

Consumers Energy says “Always assume a downed wire, even if not arching and sparking, is energized.” They add, “with rough weather expected, our crews are ready to respond quickly, make situations safe and restore power.”

Consumers Energy is responsible to repair a downed wire up to the point where it touches your house. If any part of the lead-in to your house is damaged, you will need to call an electrician. That includes the mast.

Here is a specific update from Consumers Energy at 10:15 am Friday:

Consumers Energy is prepared for what is expected to be a devastating winter storm beginning early Saturday. Freezing rain is expected to begin across much of south central Michigan Saturday morning and continue for several hours. Forecasts are still being updated but as much as one-half to one inch of ice accumulation is possible in a general area from I-94 north to U.S. 10. A half inch of ice can add as much as 500 pounds to a span of power lines. Also accompanying the ice will be gusty winds and heavy snow in Northern Michigan.

This storm will likely lead to downed wires and power outages that could last several days. Hazardous road conditions during and immediately after the storm may delay restoration and damage assessment work as we keep safety our top priority.