30K Colorado customers remain without power amid high winds
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Xcel Energy crews fix broken power lines in 2013. Photo: RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Xcel has restored power to all but about 30,000 customers across Colorado as of Thursday afternoon, even as another planned outage could follow on Friday.
Why it matters: The outage was implemented to prevent wildfires, but it could mean some residents will be without electricity for multiple days and possibly even through the weekend.
The latest: Xcel's outage map as of 2:30pm Thursday indicated 29,958 Colorado customers were without power, with 10,819 of those in Boulder County.
- That number has steadily declined since, topping out at 113,000 statewide Wednesday night.
- Most of the remaining outages have estimated restoration times no later than 8pm Thursday, though a few areas still show early Friday morning restoration.
- The utility first turned off power around 10am Wednesday in parts of Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties.
What we're watching: Xcel added it could take "several hours to several days" to restore power because crews must inspect lines and repair damage before the lines can be safely re-energized.
- "Restoration work has started and will be ongoing for several days as our teams battle with an additional round of severe wind tomorrow morning." Xcel said Thursday.
- Xcel officials have said another outage could be necessary Friday, but had not confirmed details as of 2pm Thursday.
Threat level: The National Center for Atmospheric Research's Mesa lab in the Boulder foothills reported gusts exceeding 100 mph Wednesday.
Zoom in: Boulder Valley School District canceled all Thursday classes. Officials said Wednesday evening that about half of the schools in the district suffered wind damage or remained without power. No announcement has been made for Friday.
- The University of Colorado Boulder announced a delayed 10am start for all Thursday classes.
- Both the city of Boulder and Boulder County announced their administrative offices would be closed Thursday and the scheduled Boulder City Council meeting has also been canceled.
Be smart: Residents should stock up on supplies, including batteries, water and nonperishable food.
- Those with medical equipment, power doors and other vital electronic equipment should make backup plans.
- Treat all intersections with no traffic lights as four-way stops.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with more details throughout as of 2:30pm Thursday.