April 28th, 2025

A message from Council President Elliott Payne

Hello neighbors,

Below is an update on the severe storms including reminders on storms preparedness and information from Xcel Energy. We are canceling our Office Hours tonight and all Minneapolis Public Schools after school activities are canceled tonight as well.

Stay safe,

Elliott

Prepare for Severe Storms Today

The City of Minneapolis is asking residents to be weather aware and take precautions as severe storms are anticipated Monday afternoon and evening.  The National Weather Service predicts the risk of severe storms in Minneapolis to be unusually high – a level 4 of 5 – with tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, and frequent lightning likely. 

The City of Minneapolis is taking the following actions:

• Public-facing, non-emergency City facilities and services, including the Service Center, will close at 2 p.m. today. 
• The City has activated its Emergency Operations Center. 
• The 311 call center will have extended hours until 9 pm to take storm-related calls. 
• Public Works crews are undertaking flood mitigation procedures, including cleaning drains.
• The City’s Homeless Response Team is connecting with shelter provider partners to ensure awareness of the impending storms and that our unsheltered residents have places to go to remain safe.

The City would like to remind everyone of these storm preparedness tips: 

• Ensure you have multiple ways to receive alerts.   
• If alerts are issued, be ready to take immediate shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest level.
• Check with family and friends to encourage them to have plans and know where to shelter.
• Secure outdoor furniture and décor in preparation for strong winds.  
• Clear leaves and debris from in front of catch basins to ensure water can get to the drain.  
• Prepare for potential power outages by charging devices and having a flashlight on hand.  
• Text MPLSAlerts to 77295 or visit minneapolismn.gov/alerts to sign up for alerts.
• See more tips at ready.gov/severe-weather. 

April Office Hours Canceled

We are canceling our April Open Office Hours tonight due to the severe weather warnings.

MPS After School Programs are Canceled Today

Dear MPS Families:

All MPS-sponsored after school activities including extended learning, youth enrichment after-school programming, and all athletics will be canceled today, Monday, April 28, 2025 due to anticipated severe weather.

Caregivers, students will be sent home on their regular bus or please make arrangements to pick up students immediately after school. Buildings and Mpls Kids will remain open until all students are picked up.

Xcel Energy crews prepared for strong winds, thunderstorms across Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (April 28, 2025) — Xcel Energy is preparing for severe weather predicted this afternoon for central and southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro, with crews ready to safely restore any power outages as quickly as possible.

The company maintains a diverse energy mix to provide customers with the safe and reliable energy they depend on, even through inclement weather. Weather forecasts anticipate severe thunderstorms, with a likelihood of large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. The company is tracking these forecasts and will stage additional crews as needed to respond to any outages, attending to the largest outages first to quickly get the most customers back online as soon as possible.

Report an outage or get updates

Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. To report an outage:

• Use the Xcel Energy mobile app  
• Visit www.xcelenergy.com/out  
• Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the automated prompts

Customers can also access the most recent updates about an outage using the mobile app or by visiting the Outage Map, which displays the number of customers out and the anticipated restoration time if available.

Prepare and stay safe

• Stay away from downed or sagging power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one on the ground, is energized and dangerous. Never touch or move a downed power line; instead, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.
• To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures in the event of a power outage, 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.
• Build a home emergency kit to use in the event of a power outage, with items such as:
• 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)

Connect with Elliott and Ward 1 Staff

Elliott Payne was re-elected in 2023 to represent Ward 1

Elliott serves on the President of the Minneapolis City Council, Chair of the Audit Committee, member of the Public Health & Safety Committee, Budget Committee, Intergovernmental Relations Committee, and Committee of the Whole. 

Contact the Ward 1 Council Office

Elliott Payne, Council Member - Email

Liam Davis Temple, Policy Aide - Email

Ikram Mohamud, Policy Associate - Email

Brandon Garcia, Policy Aide - Email

Office Phone - (612) 673-2201

Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward1

We've moved while work is being done in City Hall. Our office is in:

Room 100, Public Service Center
250 South 4th St.
Get directions

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.