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Michigan power crews head south ahead of major storms likely to bring widespread power outages

Consumers Energy crews from Michigan head to Arkansas Fridayto aid crews there ahead of impending severe weather
Courtesy: Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy crews from Michigan head to Arkansas Fridayto aid crews there ahead of impending severe weather

Consumers energy crews and equipment are heading to Arkansas Friday, getting a headstart on a major winter storm this weekend, planning to a assist energy providers there

“We had more than 50 coworkers raise their hands to help out. These folks hit the road early this morning.”

Consumers Energy spokesperson Trisha Bloembergen says out-of-state crews often travel to Michigan to help with power restoration after severe storms.

Now Michigan crews are returning the favor as Arkansas faces likely widespread outages.

“Not even a year ago, we had a significant ice event hit our communities. And so they know what it's like to not only respond to that issue, but also live through it.”

Fifty Consumers Energy crew members meet before heading to Arkansas to help crews there restore power after weekend winter storms
Courtesy: Consumers Energy
Fifty Consumers Energy crew members meet before heading to Arkansas to help crews there restore power after weekend winter storms

Forecasts call for heavy snow, freezing rain and strong winds across much of the southeast Friday and intensifying through the weekend, conditions Michigan crews know all too well.

“We would put our line workers up with any line workers across the nation. They're incredibly skilled and ready to respond.”

Consumers crews will stage in Little Rock and spread to locations where the storms impact.

Teams are prepared to stay for up to two weeks if necessary.

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