• This picture was taken by Emily Towns in Vicksburg Michigan.

LANSING - Today Michigan is on a severe thunderstorm watch from noon until 9:00 pm. Okemos is on severe thunderstorm watch until 6:00 pm tonight. Michigan is expecting strong winds, hail, and possibly tornadoes.

In Michigan we are expecting a thunderstorm that could have winds up to 70 mph, hail that can damage plants and property, and possible tornadoes. With mother nature on a rampage, Michigan has to also brace it’s self for possible power outages.

Storms of this magnitude can cause power lines to go down. If a powerline goes down near or at your home stay 25 feet away from it and report it. To report a downed wire first call 911 and then call Consumers Energy at 800.477.5050.

Consumers Energy is committed to restoring power efficiently and safely while also taking heed to COVID-19. Consumer Energy is enforcing social distancing, and regular cleaning procedures. To help Consumers Energy employees maintain social distancing, please stay six feet away from crews or remain indoors. Here are some other safety tips that you can follow:

-Ensure that your phone has power. You can reduce battery usage by lowering your brightness and putting your phone on airplane mode.

-Prepare an emergency kit. Within the emergency kit have water, non-perishable food items, blankets, flash lights, batteries, and a radio.

-Check your food after the power outage to make sure nothing is spoiled.

“We have 150,000 outages right now and that consist of homes and business across the state. We are hoping to get the power back on by the end of the day by Friday. An individual outage can be restored quickly that only takes a matter of hours but with outages statewide it takes longer to get power back on.” said, Consumers Energy Media Relations Manager, Brain Wheeler.

For more safety tips, and to sign up for free text, call, and email alerts you can go to Consumers Energy’s website.

With a possible power outage some residents may have a back up generator at their home or business.

If you have a back up generator, it is extremely important that you operate your generator at least 25 feet away from buildings, windows, doors, and vents. If a power generator is operated within an enclosed space it can cause carbon monoxide poising.

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, and when inhaled it could be fatal. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poising include headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If you feel that you or somebody you know has carbon monoxide poisoning do not hesitate to call 911. To prevent carbon monoxide posing you can install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

For more information about carbon monoxide poison and prevention you can go to CDC.gov.

During any severe weather it is always important to have a plan. Here are some tips for before, during, and after a thunder storm from the National Weather Service.

Remember to stay safe, have a plan, and to report anything that is concerning.