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Blizzard Caused Largest Single Day Power Outage In Colorado History

DENVER (CBS4) - As soon as heavy wet snow began piling up in Wednesday's blizzard, tree branches across the metro area started dropping and causing power outages. The snowstorm caused the largest single day power outage for Xcel Energy in Colorado history.

downed trees1
(credit: CBS)

Major roadways were blocked by downed branches and power lines were knocked out.

Xcel Energy said at the height of this blizzard, some 290,000 customers were impacted.

As of Thursday night, there were 8,750 Xcel Energy customers without power. That included 600 in Boulder and 2,600 in Greeley. There were 270 crews working to restore power. Some planned to work through the night.

tree branch power line
(credit: CBS)

Wednesday was the largest single day power outage for Xcel Energy in Colorado. The company has had larger outages over longer periods of time but not that many all at once.

Homeowners are responsible for cleanup of tree debris on their property and from any public right-of-way in front of their property. It should be removed within 24 hours, and the city recommends you hire a licensed contractor.

If it is an emergency, the city can help but the owner picks up the cost.

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