Latest updates on City facilities, weather, and what to expect Friday and this weekend
While winds have died down today, the City of Louisville continues to closely monitor forecasts for Friday and the weekend and to evaluate any potential impacts to residents or City operations.
Status of City facilities
As of 10 a.m., the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center is open and fully operational. Both the Recreation & Senior Center and Louisville Public Library have power and Wi-Fi and are available as charging stations to anyone who may be impacted by power outages.
NOTE: If these facilities lose power, they do not have backup power and will not be available as charging stations.
The Louisville Police Department lobby is closed today, and Louisville Municipal Court is providing virtual services only. The Police Department Lobby will remain closed on Friday, Dec. 18, and the Municipal Court will not be open for in-person services, but Court staff will be available by phone at 303.335.4652 or email at Courts@LouisvilleCO.gov during normal business hours.
All other City facilities are currently operating normally.
Wind expected to increase on Friday, Dec. 19
The National Weather Service in Boulder has issued a High Wind Watch and Fire Weather Watch for Friday, Dec. 19 for an area including Louisville. Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines. Scattered power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Outdoor burning remains prohibited
Critical fire weather conditions persist, and outdoor burning remains prohibited throughout Boulder County. Avoid any outdoor activities that may cause a spark or flame (no campfires, charcoal grills, slash burns, outdoor welding, parking in high grass, etc.). Do not throw cigarettes or matches outdoors. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
Louisville not expected to be included in Friday public safety power shutoff
Xcel Energy is planning for a potential public safety power shutoff on Friday, Dec. 19 for portions of the Front Range. As of now, Louisville is not included in the planned shutoff area, but unplanned outages are still possible.
Stay prepared for unplanned power outages
Due to the high winds, we encourage you to remain prepared for unplanned power outages throughout the weekend.
Due to the elevated risk of wildfire, Xcel Energy expects to activate Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS). When EPSS are activated, power lines are more sensitive and can instantly stop the flow of energy if an issue is detected, like a tree branch or other object touching the line. While this is not a planned outage, activation of these settings can cause power outages.
- Traffic signals may lose power. If a traffic signal is out, please treat the intersection like a four-way stop.
- Prepare now and lean into your support system of neighbors, friends, and family
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Build an emergency kit (learn more at BoulderODM.gov) which includes battery powered lighting (flashlight, lantern, etc.) and extra batteries
- Reduce fire risk activities
- Check on neighbors, friends, and family, especially older adults and those living alone
- Ensure batteries, generators, and oxygen supplies are ready
- Plan ahead for refrigerated medications- ask your medical provider how long medications can be stored at higher temperatures, especially medications that are critical for life
- If medication access or medical equipment failure becomes a life-threatening emergency, call 911
- Have an alternative plan, such as going to a friend or family member’s home with power
- Do not wait until power is out to seek help
- If you use an assistive device (like a lift chair for going up and down stairs, etc.) that helps you move around your home, consider moving critical items to an accessible location that you can get to it with or without power to your device
Please report any power outages
Please report any power outages you experience to Xcel Energy by calling 800-895-4999 or visiting XcelEnergy.com/Outage — don’t assume Xcel is already aware. This helps Xcel track and restore power outages as quickly as possible.
How to report damage, when to call 911
Our 911 Emergency Communications Centers are experiencing a high volume of phone calls associated with the high wind.
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For emergencies: Call 911. Please only call 911 if you need emergency response (police, fire, EMS). Please don’t call with non-emergency questions or about minor wind impacts. If you notice a tree branch sparking on a power line, please do call 911.
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Urgent, but non-emergency damage or other issues: If you need assistance from police or fire services that is not an emergency, call 303-441-4444.
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To report general damage on City property: Submit the problem using the Citizen Problem Reporter form on our website. Our team will triage requests and ensure they get to the right team to address it.
Food safety tips and spoiled food disposal
After the Dec. 17 power outages, Boulder County residents should check their food. Throw away perishable food that was above 40°F. All Boulder County residents can bring their spoiled food to Western Disposal Materials Management Center for FREE to have it properly disposed.
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