A derecho approaches downtown Sioux Falls, 7/5/22. KELO.com News photo by Rachel Sundem.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Xcel Energy crews are working to assess damage and safely restore power to customers as quickly as possible after a line of thunderstorms, now termed a derecho by the Sioux Falls National Weather Service, brought damaging winds, hail and flash flooding through the surrounding area yesterday causing damage to trees, poles and power lines.
Approximately 55,000 customers were impacted and more than 90% have been restored as of this morning. Visit xcelenergy.com/outages_and_emergencies to find the number of customers currently affected. More than 600 employees and contractors are in the field working to restore power, coming from across the region to help. Xcel Energy knows losing power is hard and we thank customers for their patience and support of our crews.
Customers should also for damage to their mast, which is the electric service connection to their home. If their mast is damaged, a licensed electrician must make repairs and it must be inspected before service can be restored. xcelenergy.com/outages_and_emergencies/mast_damage
When it comes to restoring power, top priority is given to situations that threaten public safety, such as live downed wires. Repair priority is based on what will restore power to the largest number of customers most quickly, such as transmission lines or feeder lines that serve large amounts of customers.
Xcel Energy urges safety and caution
Please use caution when traveling in affected areas and stay away from downed lines. Contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999 to report downed lines or natural gas leaks. Call 911 to report an emergency.
Report your outage.
Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have a number of ways to report their outage:
- Through the My Xcel Energy mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and through Google Play.
- Via text by texting ‘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 the prompts—the automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once the cause of the problem is identified, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide customers with an estimated restoration time.
Stay informed
If 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. Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and Twitter.
Other ways customers can prepare, stay safe
- 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
- Back up 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)
- 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.
(Xcel Energy contributed this report/news release.)
