Strong winds closed lines in west Michigan last night and left many customers without electricity.
Consumer Energy reports 29,000 customers without power as of 8 a.m. today from more than 440 individual outages due to strong winds that toppled trees, limbs and branches.
The National Weather Service says winds of about 60 mph were expected between 1 a.m. and 3 p.m. in Holland, Grand Rapids and Muskegon. Winds were slow in southwest Michigan, but still gusts of 48 mph. in Kalamazoo.
"We were able to rest employees yesterday to begin preparations for today's restoration work, which began overnight and will continue throughout the day," Consumer Energy spokesman Brian Wheeler told News 8.
Consumer Energy expects electricity to be restored by 10 a.m., and expects power back to most homes by the end of the day.
The recommended safe distance to stay from the down line is 25 feet. If you see one, stay away and call 911 and then Consumer Energy at 1.800.477.5050 to report it.