ST PAUL, Minn. — The vast majority of Xcel Energy customers who lost power over the weekend should see it returned by Sunday evening, according to the company.
Xcel said it expects 98% of storm-related power outages to be repaired by Sunday evening.
The remaining outages in the west metro should be restored by early Monday afternoon and the remaining east metro outages should be restored by Monday evening.
"This has been a very large storm for us because of the heavy wet snow, the wind, a lot of the ice and hail that came in on Friday evening," said Trisha Duncan, director of Minnesota community relations for Xcel Energy. "We've been working around the clock since Friday night to restore power to nearly 280,000 customers."
According to Duncan, about 1,200 employees and contractors from 10 states are working to restore power. City crews are also helping clear downed trees.
"There have been a lot of trees that have been down which have affected our infrastructure in pulling lines down and so then it's also hard to clear the snow to get access to the infrastructure," Duncan said.
Elizabeth Yarns lives on the east side of St. Paul and lost power at her home early Saturday. Contractors stopped by Sunday and power was restored by that afternoon.
"Stayed in the house during that time and it got a little chilly but I have good neighbors that were able to help out and keep us warm," Yarns said.
If you're dealing with a power outage, you can check the estimated restoration time on Xcel's outage map.
The American Red Cross serving the Twin Cities Area Chapter is also providing shelter for those impacted by electrical outages at King of Kings Church in Woodbury. The Salvation Army has also donated snacks. It opened at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 2 and will remain open overnight for those in need.
If there is no one who needs sheltering by 10 p.m. Sunday, it will close overnight and reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday.
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