The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for southwest Lower Michigan, the northwest half of Lower Michigan, and all of the Upper Peninsula.

The high wind watch begins Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon with some areas of Michigan getting gusts up to 60 mph.

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These winds are capable of blowing down trees that could cause power lines to be knocked down. Widespread power outages may follow with possible travel issues if trees and/or power lines fall across roads.

The strongest wind gusts are expected to hit counties in the northwest half of Lower Michigan and all of the U.P. According to MLive, wind gusts are likely from Holland northward along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This would include Muskegon, Ludington, Manistee, the Traverse City area, Charlevoix, Petoskey, and the Mackinac Straits region.  

The high wind watch also includes Grand Rapids.

The winds are coming from the southwest so cities, towns, and counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline will most likely get the hit the hardest. Parts of Lake Michigan may get winds as high as 70 mph across the water.

The strongest winds are expected to hit the region around 4 a.m. Thursday morning. This may make the morning commute even more difficult for those heading to work early. You may want to allow more time in the morning if you have a long drive.

Mlive reported, The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids announced, "This looks to be a very dangerous storm, especially near the Lake Michigan shore. winds this strong would cause significant impacts. Do not underestimate the possible impacts of this wind event."

Click here to see a map of counties affected by the high winds.

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