Kalamazoo Times

The City of Kalamazoo is continuing to respond to reports of downed trees and power lines. All available crews are responding to clean up fallen trees and limbs, prioritizing trees blocking major streets. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and Consumers energy are coordinating to address downed power lines.  

More than 650 incidents were reported in the Kalamazoo area overnight, nearly 300 of which are traffic hazards.  

Multiple roads throughout the city of Kalamazoo are blocked or partially blocked and motorist are urged to use extreme caution if driving. City crews are working as fast as possible to safely clear streets. 

If you see a downed power line, stay at least 25 feet away from it. Never touch the line or anything the line is touching. Report downed power lines by immediately calling 911 and then Consumers Energy at (800) 477-5050. More safety information is available from Consumers Energy at www.consumersenergy.com/community/safety.  

Residents should call 911 to report fallen trees or limbs blocking streets. For fallen trees or limbs that are not blocking streets, call 311 or (269) 337-8000. 

Residents can bring fallen limbs and brush to the curb for pickup. City crews will collect this material as soon as they are able to, but currently there is no estimated time frame. Cleanup after this storm is expected to take several days.  

Consumers Energy is working to restore power to affected customers as quickly as possible, but due to the severity of the damage, power may be out for several days for some customers. Residents are asked to check in with their neighbors, friends, and family and help if they can.   

Drivers should continue to use extreme caution as crews continue responding to the storm. Intersections with non-functioning traffic signals should be treated as an all-way stop unless signed otherwise.  

Original source can be found here.