• Photo from Ingham County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

INGHAM COUNTY - The Michigan State Police is encouraging people to use caution as high winds are expected to be moving across the state Sunday, according to a press release from Michigan State Police.

Wind gusts exceeding 50 to 60 miles per hour are expected to hit Michigan starting Sunday morning and lasting through the evening, according to the National Weather Service.

This storm system is expected to bring snow showers developing late Sunday morning and afternoon, lasting into the evening. The strong winds in combination with the blowing snow, could be dangerous for travel, including near whiteout conditions. Snow is not expected to be significant however, according to the Ingham County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The high winds are expected to cause power outages across the state. The worst of the high winds are expected to hit between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, however gusts from 30 to 35 miles per hour is expected for Monday with temperatures in the teens, according to the Ingham County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

For those living in Mason, Consumers Energy plans on turning off electricity Sunday from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. for a critical repair, according to Ingham County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Traffic lights become four-way stops when the power is out.

Emmitt McGowan, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, said it is hard to tell how long the power may be out for.

"The length of a power outage can never be predicted," McGowan said. "Taking a few steps to prepare ahead of a power outage can minimize loss and keep all members of your household as comfortable as possible.

In case of a power outage, here are a few tips from the Michigan State Police.

Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer. Cold water bottles will help to keep food cold during a power outage and can be used for drinking water.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist about any medication that requires refrigeration as it is important to know how long your medication is safe in the refrigerator without power.

Make a plan to prepare for family members who have disabilities, or who have ill health.

Try to keep gas tanks half full, at least. If power goes out, gas stations may be unavailable.

Have extra cash available as ATM's will not work without electricity.

Keep a key to the house with you if you are away from home as the garage door will not open when the electricity is out.

The Michigan State Police also listed a few blackout-specific items to keep inside of an emergency kit, including extra batteries, large flashlights/emergency lighting, food that does not require heat and warm clothes and blankets.

The Ingham County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management urges people to bring in garbage cans or lawn furniture that could blow away as well as making sure cell phones are charged. The office also said to save your electric provider's number in case you need to report a power outage.

Consumers Energy can be reached at 800-477-5050. DTE can be reached at 800-477-4747 and Lansing Board of Water and Light can be reached at 877-295-5001.