UPDATE: Over 182 customers north of Nederland remain without power, five days after a devastating windstorm disrupted service for tens of thousands across Boulder County. The storm, which struck on September 27, 2023, sent gusts exceeding 100 mph and has left residents in the Caribou City neighborhood facing ongoing outages since 2:33 p.m. that day.
As of 10 a.m. Monday, the local utility, Xcel Energy, reports that power restoration is anticipated around 2 p.m. today. The situation is critical as the Caribou City outage is among the largest in the county, with a total of 863 customers still without power throughout Boulder County. However, none have been affected for as long as those in Caribou City.
The widespread outages began as planned shutoffs aimed at preventing wildfire risks during the windstorm. The storm’s severity led to power loss for nearly 100,000 people across Colorado, causing significant disruption and anxiety among residents.
Residents in the affected areas are growing increasingly frustrated as they wait for power to be restored. The ongoing blackout has left families without basic amenities, impacting daily life significantly. Many are relying on flashlights and generators, while some have sought shelter with friends or family in more fortunate areas.
Authorities from Xcel Energy are working tirelessly to restore power and have expressed their commitment to resolving the situation as quickly as possible. They urge affected residents to stay updated through their outage maps and customer service lines.
As the day progresses, community members are hopeful that the anticipated restoration time will hold, allowing them to return to normalcy. The experiences of the last few days have brought neighbors together, as they share resources and support each other during this challenging time.
Next steps: Residents and officials will be monitoring the situation closely throughout the day. Local authorities will continue to provide updates, and community members are encouraged to stay informed on restoration efforts as they unfold.
This developing story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those living in the wake of extreme weather conditions and serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness during such events.
