Michigan utility crews heading east to assist amid storm

DUNDEE – Utility crews from Michigan are heading to the Northeast to be in place to assist in dealing with power outages expected from a major storm.

More than 50 Consumers Energy employees are being mobilized. The utility crews, technicians, mechanics and supervisors from around Michigan plan to travel east on Monday from Dundee. Another 100 contractors also are expected to be available.

The workers will travel initially to New York state, but will go where needed. The unit of Jackson-based CMS Energy Corp. says the workers could be in the Northeast a week or more.

The Lansing Board of Water & Light has not been asked to send crews to assist with potential power outages in the storm, spokesman Stephen Serkaian said.

"But we remain ready to assist, similar to when we sent a three-person line crew and bucket truck to help restore power following Superstorm Sandy in 2012," Serkaian said.

The National Weather Service said the nor'easter would bring heavy snow, powerful winds and widespread coastal flooding starting Monday and through Tuesday. The snow isn't hitting Michigan, but some flight cancellations to Northeast destinations are expected.

Lansing State Journal reporter Christopher Behnan contributed to this report.