Power outages stretch into third day for some in West Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Thousands of Consumers Energy customers, including many in Muskegon County, remained without power two days after strong storms moved through West Michigan.

Some 160,000 customers statewide lost power as a result of Tuesday’s storms, according to Consumers Energy. By Thursday morning, Consumers said it had restored more than 90% of affected customers. And as the day wore on, the count of customers without service dwindled.

The utility company said most customers could expect to have power back by Thursday afternoon, though it could take until Thursday night for those in the hardest-hit areas.

The following West Michigan counties had 100 or more customers without power as of around 11:50 p.m. Thursday:

• Kent County: 265 customers
• Muskegon County: 1,768 customers

Consumers reminded customers to stay away from downed wires and call 911 immediately, then the utility.

If you’re using a generator, you’re reminded to keep the generator a safe distance away from your home and any doors and windows. Don’t run it inside your home or your garage, firefighters say.

The utility company is offering free single-scoop ice cream or snow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Twisters Ice Cream at 8688 Water St. in Montague . You can also get free water from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot of Montague Foods at 8718 Water St .

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