Thursday, March 28, 2024

City of East Lansing warns residents to prepare for weekend storm

January 10, 2020

City of East Lansing officials warn residents to prepare for a winter storm expected to hit this weekend. The worst conditions are expected to span between daybreak on Saturday and daybreak on Sunday, according to a press release from the city of East Lansing.

Residents may encounter power outages, dangerous travel conditions and fallen power lines and trees due to expected heavy snow, winds, and accumulations of ice and sleet, according to the press release. City crews will handle the removing of downed trees and power lines when it is safe as well as the clearing and salting of roadways, though residents should be reminded that salt has a limited effect on ice build up.

If dangerous conditions increase to the point that roads are impassable, whether due to downed trees and power lines or thick ice, city officials may declare an emergency, according to the release. An emergency declaration may include the suspension of on-street parking or the suspension of all travel.

In the case of downed power lines, do not touch or drive over them, the city advises. A minimum safe distance is 35 feet. If a downed power line threatens public safety, residents should call 911 immediately.

Important tips as advised by the city of East Lansing:

  • Power outages and downed power lines not posing immediate danger can be reported to the Lansing Board of Water and Light at 877-295-5001 or Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
  • Residents can report fallen trees or basement flooding to East Lansing Police Department's non-emergency phone number: 517-351-4220.
  • Overnight on-street parking requests have been suspended at this time.
  • If residents must travel, they are advised to use caution. Residents are also encouraged to have enough supplies and food in their homes for up to 48 to 72 hours without power.
  • Residents should remove valuable items from their basements in case of flooding.

City officials will closely monitor the storm, according to the release. Updates will be provided as necessary. Community members may sign up for Nixle emergency alerts, which can provide residents with real-time alerts even in the event of a power outage.

Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.

Discussion

Share and discuss “City of East Lansing warns residents to prepare for weekend storm” on social media.