KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Office of Emergency Management announced on Tuesday, February 28 that all essential services are operating normally ahead of the local state of emergency which will be ending on Thursday, March 2.
As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, all categories on the OEM’s Community Lifelines, which uses the standard “traffic light protocol” adopted from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were classified as “Green,” indicating regular operations.
Consumers Energy is currently reporting 0.1% of customers – or 29 households – are still without power, noting the complexity of required repairs and scattered additional outages as weakened trees impact wires.
The National Weather Service of Grand Rapids is currently forecasting hazardous weather conditions, estimating “a swath of 4” or more of wet snow” to hit the southern part of Lower Michigan this Friday, “with generally less than 0.10” of icing expected.”
The NWS detailed forecast also says “winds could gust as high as 55 mph.”
Michiganders should be aware that high winds and potential ice buildup could cause further isolated power outages and are encouraged to take precautions as they can.
The Kalamazoo County Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with local first responders and Consumers Energy in response.
The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department warns that the cold will pose a greater risk Friday as wind chill temperatures may drop to the mid-teens to 20s during the day and single digits to 10 degrees at night.
For information on warming shelter locations and availability within Kalamazoo County, contact Gryphon Place 211 or visit https://www.gryphon.org/211.
Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners Chair John Taylor, Vice Chair Tami Rey, and Vice Chair Pro Tempore Jeff Heppler are grateful for the community response and continue to urge compassion.
