Power outages likely as big wind storm moves through state on Sunday

LANSING - Better stash the trash cans and tie down the patio furniture, Lansing.

A powerful storm system sweeping in from the Central Plains will bring sustained winds of up to 30 mph and gusts exceeding 50 mph on Sunday, with power outages a likely result, forecasters said.

"This will primarily be a wind event," said Bill Marino, a forecaster for the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids. "There's a high probability we'll see wind gusts above 50 mph, and gusts over 60 mph are possible."

A winter storm watch will be in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday until 1 a.m. Monday for much of lower Michigan, including the Lansing, Jackson and Battle Creek areas.

Marino said a big surge of warm air on Saturday night will be followed by a cold front arriving around sunrise Sunday. Temperatures will fall from a high in the low 40s to below freezing by late afternoon, he said.

Snow is possible on Sunday, but the Lansing area isn't likely to get more than an inch, the weather service said.

The biggest impact likely will be power outages, officials said.

Michigan State Police passed along these tips for preparing for an outage:

• Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer. Cold water bottles will help keep food cold during a power outage and can also be used for drinking water.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist about any medication that requires refrigeration.
• Make a plan to prepare for family members with disabilities or who have ill health.
• Try to keep gas tanks at least half full. If the power goes out, gas stations may be unavailable.
• Have extra cash available. ATMs will not work without electricity.
• Keep a key to the house with you when away from home. Electric garage door openers will not work if the power is out.
• Add the following blackout-specific items to your emergency preparedness kit: extra batteries, large flashlights, food that doesn't need to be cooked and warm clothes and blankets.

In case you're wondering where to shelter your trash cans, winds will swing around from the southeast to the southwest on Saturday night before coming out of the west on Sunday, forecasters said.