GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - About 14,000 Minnesotans remained without power Tuesday night after early morning storms.
Xcel Energy says its crews worked all day to restore service to more than 104,000 residents after heavy rain, hail and strong winds hit the Twin Cities area about 4 a.m. Tuesday. But some, it said, would not have power until as late as 11 p.m. Wednesday, including in the hardest hit areas of southern Washington and northern Dakota counties.
Xcel advised those without electricity to follow these tips:
- Don't open refrigerators or freezers more often than necessary.
- Wrap refrigerators and freezers in heavy blankets to delay thawing.
- Turn off or unplug major appliances to help avoid a sudden surge of power when service is restored.
- If you see a downed electric wire, stay away from it and call 1-800-895-1999 to report its location.
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