News Releases for November 2005
November 29, 2005
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Hoeven Issues Snow Emergency Declaration For Southeastern North Dakota
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today issued a snow emergency declaration for southeastern North Dakota because of freezing rains combined with snow and heavy winds. The storm conditions have impeded snow removal and caused widespread power outages.
"First responders, local officials, utilities, DOT, HP and many state agencies are continuing to work hard to assist citizens, as they have throughout yesterday and the night," Hoeven said. "We also ask that neighbors reach out to help neighbors, as we work through this severe winter storm."
The Governor has activated the North Dakota National Guard to assist the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and N.D. Highway Patrol (HP). The National Guard is currently providing generators to assist county officials in areas with power outages. In Hankinson, the National Guard is providing a generator to replenish its water tower. N.D. Department of Emergency Services (DES) authorities are contacting counties to identify any additional needs.
Power outages still exist throughout the area, and utility companies are doing assessments to determine when power will be restored. Utility company officials are asking residents with power to conserve as much as possible as they work to restore power. The state, through DES and the National Guard, is working to provide resources where requested. The declaration is necessary to help utilities with the recovery costs of large numbers of downed power poles throughout the area.
As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, DOT and HP announced that U.S. Interstate-94 U.S. Interstate 29 were open to traffic. They continued to clear roads and assist motorists in the affected areas.
Emergency managers and officials in southeastern counties are continuing to assess needs and assist individuals who don't have household power. Monday night, 50 to 75 people were sheltered at the Fairmount Community Center. Dickey County sheltered a number of people at a nursing home and the Trinity Bible College. Sergeant County is using a calling tree and home visits to locate people in need. Cass County has sent responders to check on the status of Argusville, which has not yet reported in.
Hoeven encouraged citizens in storm affected areas to continue to use caution due to cold temperatures, blowing snow and low visibility.
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