The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for a large portion of Michigan, including Jackson County. As of 7:30 am Saturday, they state that it remains in effect from Sunday morning through late Sunday night:

“WHAT…Damaging wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph possible Sunday. Rain showers change to snow showers Sunday afternoon and continue Sunday night. Temperatures drop into the 20s Sunday afternoon and into the teens Sunday night. Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, locally 4 across Central Lower Michigan. An inch or less in other areas of Southwest Lower Michigan.

“WHERE…Portions of central, south central, southwest and west central Michigan.

“ADDITIONAL DETAILS…An increased risk for downed trees and tree limbs contributing to widespread power outages exists with this storm. Plan on difficult travel due to poor visibility…slick roads and high winds.

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 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.  You can reach A Plus Electric at (517) 529-0000 or by pressing the emergency button on the main page of this website when using your smartphone.

Click here for the Consumers Energy Outage Map.

Click here for the latest forecast, and scroll to the bottom of the page.