Consumers Energy advises “Strong to possibly severe thunderstorms are expected across portions of lower Michigan during Thursday afternoon and into early Friday, with winds gusting up to 55 mph. This active weather pattern could result in power outages. Consumers Energy is monitoring the weather closely, mobilizing resources and making other preparations to quickly respond to any service interruptions.”

Consumers Energy outage center provides helpful tips for what to do before, during and after a storm.  At www.consumersenergy.com/outagecenter, you can also visit the outage map, report an outage and sign up to receive power restoration updates.

The National Weather Service forecasts a slight risk of severe weather, and notes “the main threat is for damaging winds. The potential will be limited but is greatest this evening as a line of storms moves in from the northwest with the storms slowly weakening as they move southeast at about 30 mph overnight.”  Their hazardous weather statement specifies these counties: Mason-Lake-Osceola-Clare-Oceana-Newaygo-Mecosta-Isabella-Muskegon-Montcalm-Gratiot-Ottawa-Kent-Ionia-Clinton-Allegan-Barry-Eaton-Ingham-Van Buren-Kalamazoo-Calhoun-Jackson.

As always, A Plus Electric is standing by to help.  If there is storm damage, this information can help you learn what is the responsibility of Consumers Energy or whether you will need an electrician for repairs.

You can reach A Plus Electric 24/7 at this number: (517) 529-0000.  If you have a smartphone, simply click the emergency button on this website and it will connect you to your friends at A Plus.