According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, wind speeds during the storms recorded between 68 – 71 miles per hour. The Emergency Operations Center for Muskegon County was activated after 776 calls to 9-1-1 were fielded within the first hour of the storms. Reports of wires and trees down were extensive, including several trees that had fallen through homes.
Consumers Energy has been working to restore service to approximately 37,000 residents and hopes to have power restored to most customers by Thursday afternoon. According to Michigan State Police, eight homes were seriously damaged by the storms.
Emergency Management Director for Muskegon County Renee Gavin says two serious injuries were reported due to fallen trees. Multiple residential and secondary roads remain closed in the areas of Muskegon, Norton Shores and Whitehall as crews continue to work on repairing downed power lines and tree branch removal, however, all major highways are now open.
Muskegon County Emergency Services continues to update its Facebook page and asks residents to call 2-1-1 if they need assistance or 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies only.
