(WWJ) -- As Mother Nature blows high winds across the state for the second time in a week, the Mighty Mac is taking a step back.
Officials announced on Thursday that the Mackinac Bridge is partially closed due to the windy weather.
In a statement, the Bridge Authority stated that only passenger cars, passenger vans, and empty pickup trucks would be permitted to cross the bridge while the Straits area experiences “winds of sufficient force.”
“Winds are blowing across the bridge surface in excess of 50 miles per hour. Motorists are being instructed to reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour as they approach the bridge and be prepared to stop,” the Bridge Authority said in a statement. “Bridge personnel are stationed at both ends of the structure to provide instructions regarding how and when to proceed across the bridge.”
“Passenger cars, passenger vans, and empty pick-up trucks are being permitted to cross, but drivers are asked to exercise appropriate caution,” the statement continued. “Strong winds are blowing across the surface of the bridge. Motorists are asked to drive 20 miles per hour or less.”
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is reporting wind gusts of more than 50 mph near Metro Airport and near Belleville. Several gusts of over 40 mph were also recorded throughout southeast Michigan.
DTE Energy is currently reporting about 7,100 power outages in metro Detroit, the majority of which are near 14 Mile Road and Main Street.
An additional 150,000 outages have been reported by Consumers Energy across the state. Most are in the areas north of Mt. Pleasant and Midland.
Last weekend, more than 300,000 were reported throughout Michigan due to high winds.
Listen for your latest traffic and weather on the 8s on WWJ Newsradio 950 on air, online and on the FREE Audacy app.
Related
