GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — The National Weather Service is warning residents of West Michigan that high winds are expected Sunday morning through Sunday evening.
Gusts are expected to exceed 50 mph and could hit 60 mph, in what is being called a "bomb cyclone."
Bombogenesis, or a "bomb cyclone," occurs when the pressure of a storm drops 24 millibars in 24 hours, or at the rate of 1 millibar per hour. It typically happens when a storm system moves over warm waters in the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream and the same that arctic air moves in from behind.
Additionally, snow showers will develop late Sunday morning. "Strong winds will combine with snow, blowing snow, and slick spots on roads to create dangerous travel, and possibly near whiteout conditions, across the western half of the State," the National Weather Service said.
Both NWS and Michigan State Police are telling residents to prepare for power outages.
"Power outages in Michigan tend to be more widespread once gusts exceed 50 mph," said NWS.
Officials in Kent County said travel is expected to potentially dangerous with the high winds. They also reminded residents that there are warning sirens throughout the county that are not solely used as tornado sirens.
The county's policy indicates that sustained winds of 70 mph or greater will prompt the activation of the sirens.
After West Michigan was hit with widespread outages at the beginning of February because of back-to-back ice storms and high winds, MSP is telling people that the length of an outage cannot be predicted.
MSP offered these tips to prepare 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 physician or pharmacist about any medication that requires refrigeration. It is important to know how long medication is safe in the refrigerator without power.
- 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. The garage will not open if the power is out.
Consumers Energy said Friday that they are also preparing and monitoring the high winds and winter weather expected on Sunday.
"This weather could result in power outages, downed wires and other safety hazards," Consumers Energy said in a statement. "Consumers Energy is mobilizing resources and making other preparations to quickly respond to any service interruptions."
Keep track of outages with Consumers Energy's outage map.
ABC News contributed to this reporting.
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