Power outages and other storm updates

Dear Community

The storms last night and early this morning caused many power outages, downed branches, and other challenges. Below are some key resources to help us all stay safe:

Traffic signals outages

• If you encounter a traffic signal that’s flashing or completely out, treat the intersection like a four-way stop, yielding to pedestrians. Report issues with City streets by calling 311 or report outages online here. 
• Leave 911 open for emergencies. Please do not call 911 to report traffic signal outages.

Trees and branches

• Property owners are responsible for trees on their property. Tree debris such as leaves, branches (less than 3 ft. long and less than 3 in diameter) and twigs are accepted with your regular yard waste collection. Larger branches are not accepted. Review yard waste guidelines here. 
• The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is responsible for City-owned trees in the boulevards and on park property. Report storm damage to these trees at 612-313-7710. More info available here. 
• If you suspect that any tree is in contact with an energized wire, stay away, and call 911.  

Update from Xcel Energy on power outages

• Xcel Energy crews are working to assess damage and safely restore power to about 150,000 customers in the Twin Cities Metro and western Wisconsin after multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain, hail and winds of 60-plus miles an hour.
• The storms caused widespread damage, including downed trees and power lines. Overnight, crews worked safely to restore power for 50,000 of the 87,000 customers affected by the first round of severe storms. Around 5 a.m., a second round began moving through, pushing outage counts back up across the region.
• Xcel Energy anticipated the storm and prepared by pre-staging crews in the Twin Cities. About 700 Xcel Energy employees and contractors are on the ground this morning to begin safely assessing damage, and the company expects to have 1,700 team members and contractors in the field this afternoon working to restore power.
• Because damage is widespread, it will take significant time to get the lights back on for all customers. Xcel Energy anticipates restoring power for about half of the 150,000 affected customers today. Most remaining customers will have power restored by Thursday evening. 

Stay informed about outages  

When outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power restoration. 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. 

Safety and health

• 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.
• Build a home emergency kit. Xcel Energy recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that can be used in the event of a power outage. Useful items may include: 
• Xcel Energy phone numbers - 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 for business 
• Battery-powered radio or television 
• Flashlights 
• Batteries 
• Backup phone chargers 
• A phone that does not require electricity 
• Non-electric alarm clock 
• Bottled water and nonperishable food 
• Manual can opener 
• First aid kit 
• Extension cords (for partial outages) 
• Manufacturer's instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g., garage doors)
• Additional tips are available on Xcel’s Outage Checklist. 
• Observe food safety. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food safety is directly related to the temperature of the food. To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day. Visit the USDA website for more information.
• Cooling centers. The Salvation Army’s operation centers across the metro remain open as cooling centers to the public during weekday business hours. Locations include: 
• 10011 Noble Parkway, Brooklyn Park
• 2024 N. Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis 
• 2727 Central Ave. NE., Minneapolis 
• 1604 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis 
• 1019 Payne Ave., St. Paul 
• 401 W. 7th St., St. Paul