mother-nature-skips-spring-break-consumers-energy-prepares-for-second-round-of-weather

mother-nature-skips-spring-break-consumers-energy-prepares-for-second-round-of-weather

Jackson, Mich. Wednesday, April 01, 2026

Consumers Energy is preparing more than 300 crews and pre-stagging resources to be ready to restore power ahead of the potential for multiple rounds of impactful weather expected to sweep across Michigan tomorrow.

Forecasts call for strong to severe thunderstorms Thursday evening, mainly south of U.S. 10, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and the potential for hail and isolated tornadoes. North of M-55, the system could bring rain and freezing rain. These combined weather threats may lead to downed trees, hazardous travel and power outages across different parts of the state.

"While the calendar says spring, it's clear Mother Nature isn't taking a spring break," said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energy's Officers in Charge for restoration. "Our crews are always ready, and with more than 300 crews prepared to respond, we will work to safely restore power no matter what these systems bring. We know customers are tired after a tough stretch of weather, and we're committed to being there when they need us most."

Customers can continue to check the status of outages atConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. They can also sign up for outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message, Text 'REG' to 232273 or visitConsumersEnergy.com/Alerts.

Customers can prepare their homes with these tips in mind:

• Charge all critical electronics including medical devices. It's advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available.
• 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.

As safety remains a top priority for the company, customers are asked to practice extreme caution and follow these safety tips:

• Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, and to report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
• Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
• In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.

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Members of the media are reminded to call 1-800-557-4625 to reach a Consumers Energy Media Relations representative 24/7.