July 14, 2024

Several downed trees at Waveland Triangle Park this morning, including one with a live wire.

After last night's severe thunderstorm, several trees and large branches are down throughout the ward and the city. Many of these trees are blocking streets/alleys and have caused significant power outages. I'm saddened to see the loss of beautiful, long-standing neighborhood trees but am thankful that we haven't received any reports of injuries thus far.

Electricity

Public Works remains in contact with Xcel Energy who shared the following: 

Reporting Outages

• My Xcel Energy mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and through Google Play.
• Online at xcelenergy.com/out.
• Text ‘OUT’ to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage. 
• Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow prompts — automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once the cause is identified, the system or Xcel Energy representative will give customers an estimated restoration time when available

Stay Informed

• Customers can stay informed by using the My Xcel Energy mobile app or by visiting the Xcel Energy website. The website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration when available.

Stay Away from Downed Power Lines

• Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999

Street Clearing

Street Maintenance is in the process of calling in off-duty operators to increase our ability to open streets or alleys. If the trees aren’t on cars or touching electrical wires, Public Works crews will help push them aside and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff will remove.

Next Steps

Please submit concerns to 311 via phone, including fallen trees. If you follow the phone prompts to connect to the Streets Department, they are answering live and logging all issues. Emails to 311 might not be seen until tomorrow morning because they are directed to a different department. Calling 311 is the best way to get important information to Public Works teams and utility partners in the field. More clearing will occur throughout the day and evening as street crews become available. Please note that the City can't clear a tree with a downed power line on it until Xcel has dealt with the wire. 

Public Works will continue to coordinate with Xcel and MPRB this week to support cleanup and restoration of services. 

Contact the 13th Ward Office

• Linea Palmisano, Council Member  –  linea.palmisano@minneapolismn.gov

• Anna Ayres, Policy Aide - anna.ayres@minneapolismn.gov

• Tia Lindner, Policy Associate - antonia.lindner@minneapolismn.gov

• Office Phone – 612-673-2213 

For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850. Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311.