(WWJ) - Blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings have been issued across Michigan ahead of a fierce storm system that is forecast to intensify rapidly and produce howling winds and heavy snow -- and top energy officials said residents should prepare for power outages.
Facing wind gusts of 55 mph, brutal cold and blizzard-like conditions, DTE Electric President Trevor Lauer said the company is readying a force of 700 line workers and 1,000 other employees ahead of the pending winter storm.
But the same system slamming into Michigan is causing issues across the Midwest and beyond, leaving crews here at home without additional out-of-state help.
"This storm is so massive that it stretches from Oregon to Maine, so all utilities around the country normally would help and send additional linemen to each other, but given the nature of the storm and the widespread nature of it, nobody is offering additional linemen at this particular time," Lauer said. "So we're spending a lot of time coordinating with CMS Energy or Consumers Energy also in the state and municipal utilities in getting our own teams ready, which we have been doing for over a week now."
Lauer said they've asked employees to cancel their holiday plans in light of the severity of the storm and the impacts it may have on their customers.
The National Weather Service warned travel could be very difficult to near impossible during the storm. Widespread blowing snow has the ability to significantly reduce visibilities to near zero with whiteout conditions. Drifting snow could hamper snow removal operations.
Meteorologists said hazardous conditions may impact the morning and evening commutes Friday, putting a damper on holiday travel. Strong winds may bring down tree branches and cause scattered to widespread power outages.
Lauer said DTE is anticipating some winds to reach as high at 60 mph, but they're hoping it doesn't get higher.
"Right now the gusts are expected to top out right around 55 miles an hour. We've seen some of that lessening on the west side of the state and moving a little bit east so depending on the wind velocity, and how long it blows, we do expect some gusts into the 60s," he continued. "We'll have some localized outages at this point, that we're hoping that the overall wind gusts stay down below 60 because that's a real threshold on how it affects the electrical system."
The cold weather being dragged down with the artic front will drop wind chill values to 5 to 15 degrees below zero at times in Southeast Michigan, creating "very dangerous" conditions if long-lasting power outages occur. Lauer said DTE is working on outreach to their most vulnerable customers to make sure they are safe during the storm.
"We do expect some outages at this point, so we will have people calling customers, elderly customers, and making sure that to the extent that we can help them -- help get them to a warming center or direct them to warming centers. We've been coordinating with the State Emergency Preparedness also on a lot of those types of activities."
Lauer encouraged customers to contact DTE on the app, on the website, or by phone at 1-800-477-4747 to report an outage if one occurs.
"We are going to get to all the customers that we can as fast as we can and as safely as we can for our employees," he added.
Lauer also warned against bringing generators inside, stating that doing so can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
"Please be safe and remember to stay at least 20 feet from any downed power lines — assume they are live and dangerous," the company also advised.
So what can Michiganders do now to prepare for such a storm?
The state's Emergency Management and Homeland Security along with the Michigan State Police said residents should be aware that winter storms can cause power outages that last for days. They can make roads and walkways extremely dangerous and also negatively affect critical community services including public transportation, childcare, and health programs.
Injuries and deaths may occur from exposure, dangerous road conditions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other winter storm conditions. To be better equipped, they suggest the following:
Now/Prepare
• Sign up for local alerts and warnings.
• Create and test emergency communication plan(s).
• Stock emergency supplies, and install battery-powered or battery backed-up carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors.
• Winterize your home. Visit this page to help you prepare.
• Review your property insurance, and safeguard critical documents.
• Get trained on specific needs your family may have. Also, consider joining your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
• Identify a place nearby where you can safely warm up should you lose heat in your home.
During/Survive
• Stay indoors and off the roads. If you must drive, keep emergency supplies in your car.
• Close off rooms to consolidate and retain heat.
• Dress in layers, and use blankets to stay warm.
• Bring pets into a warm place and out of the storm or severe cold.
• Never use a generator, camp stove, charcoal grill, or gasoline or propane heater indoors, as these items can start accidental fires, cause electric shock, and/or cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never heat a home with a cooktop or oven.
• Limit your time outdoors, and stay dry.
After/Be Safe
• Only drive if necessary. Remove snow and ice from your tailpipe before starting your car, and check regularly if idling. Clean all snow and ice from your car before driving.
• Dress in warm clothing, stay dry, prevent prolonged exposure to cold and wind, and avoid overexertion clearing/shoveling snow. Overexertion can lead to a medical emergency.
• Monitor local news and alerts for emergency information and instructions.
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