Michigan utility crews heading east to assist amid storm

DUNDEE, Mich. (AP) - 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 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 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 flights are canceled to and from Northeast destinations.