The Wayland area and West Michigan were visited by Round Two of the back-to-back late summer wind and rainstorms Wednesday night, leaving many to debate which one of the two was worse.
As usual, the nastiest effects were fallen trees blocking roads, downed power lines and loss of power at many residences. New Life Church in Wayland offered citizens to stop in to have their electronic devices recharged.
The community of Dorr was particularly hard hit, as local public safety officials blocked off 121st Avenue and 142nd because of dangerous lines down. Martin Fire & Rescue had 5th street between 116th and 118th Avenues blocked due to a power line lying across the road. Department spokesman Dillon Thomas said emergency personnel responded to 16 calls in 48 hours.
As for the rain, Joan Miller, wife of retired Fire Chief Joe Miller, reported two and one-quarter inches.
Consumer Energy had said those who lost power Tuesday night would have it restored by Thursday, but the second storm has complicated efforts, backing up power restoration targets to Sunday.
Consumers spokesman said on Facebook Wednesday:
“As of 9 p.m. tonight (Aug. 11,), we’ve restored power to 70,000 customers who have been affected by the severe weather seems to like our state a little too much. Our crews in the field have a lot of work ahead of them with 220,000 customers who are still without power. They are on different shifts so they can get the rest they need to keep working safely.
“This means we have several people in the field tonight, in dark towns and neighborhoods all over the Lower Peninsula. We also have crews coming in from seven states, including Tennessee, New York and Missouri, to help restore power.
“Which brings us to the favor we wanted to ask you about. If you see a Consumers Energy truck or hazard signs, please slow down and make sure no one is working close to where you are driving before going around them. They’re doing a hazardous job, and we always appreciate your help in making sure they all get home safely.”
