Strong winds and thunderstorms tonight, gusts could top 60 mph – mlive.com

Our stretch of record-breaking November warmth is about to come to a windy and abrupt end later tonight as a cold front moves across Michigan, possibly touching off thunderstorms and packing some big winds.

According to the National Weather Service, gusty winds will start kicking in this afternoon, and may hit 30 to 40 mph. Stronger winds are forecast for tonight, with gusts up to 55 mph.

If thunderstorms develop this evening, that could boost winds even higher, with some gusts topping 60 mph, the NWS has said.

Now is the best time to secure all loose items and make sure you have supplies ready in case of a power outage, the NWS staff in Grand Rapids said. The strong winds will end by sunrise. Temperatures will also be much cooler by that point.

Daytime temperatures on Wednesday are expected to be about 30 degrees colder than today, reaching just into the 40s in the Lower Peninsula.

In the Upper Peninsula, Gale Warnings over Lake Superior will kick in after midnight tonight.

Because of the expected high winds tonight, downed trees and power outages are possible across the state.

Consumers Energy issued a cautionary statement on the forecast, alerting people to the wind issue:

Consumers Energy reminds the public to stay at least 25 feet away from a downed wire and anything it is touching. Report downed wires by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Always assume a downed wire, even if not sparking, is energized.

Customers are also reminded, if they lose power, to 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. Portable generators should be operated 25 feet outside of any building, away from windows, doors and vents.

READ MORE

8 Facts Behind the Edmund Fitzgeralds final hours

Michigan might be waiting awhile for winter to arrive, major weather models show

Read more:
Strong winds and thunderstorms tonight, gusts could top 60 mph - mlive.com