Statewide emergency is declared in North Dakota after an ice storm that caused millions of dollars in damage

Fargo, North Dakota – After this week’s catastrophic winter ice storm, North Dakota has declared an emergency due to extensive damage to its utility system.

Governor Burgum made the proclamation Friday, according to state officials, the first time the governor of North Dakota has done so since 2016. In the meantime, the National Weather Service issued its first ice storm warning for North Dakota since 2016 due to the three-day storm that began on Christmas Day. At one time, up to 20,000 people were left without electricity.

Over 1,400 electricity poles suffered damage. According to experts, the storm caused damage worth millions of dollars both during and after it passed.

“We’re deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of local linemen and crews from across the state helping to restore power, as well as for the first responders, emergency management teams, road crews, health care workers and all others working to keep citizens safe during this extraordinary event,” North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum said. “Our state agencies continue to support local response efforts as we prepare to seek a federal disaster declaration and assistance.”

It was stated yesterday that all substations have their electricity back. Customers in certain locations, however, might not get electricity until the following week.