Bozeman Power Outages Mostly Restored

9,000 Customers Impacted by Winter Storm

A winter storm that swept through Bozeman on Monday left more than 9,000 customers without power. As of Tuesday morning, power had been restored to most customers, but some outages remained.

The outages were caused by downed power lines and damaged transformers. Crews from NorthWestern Energy worked throughout the night to restore power, and by Tuesday morning, most customers had their power back.

However, some outages remain in more remote areas. NorthWestern Energy estimates that all power will be restored by Tuesday evening.

The storm also caused some road closures. As of Tuesday morning, all roads were open, but drivers are still urged to use caution.

What Caused the Outages?

The outages were caused by a combination of factors, including:

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High winds

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Heavy snow

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Ice

The high winds caused power lines to sway and clash, which caused them to break in some cases.

The heavy snow weighed down power lines, which also caused them to break.

The ice that formed on power lines made them more susceptible to damage.

How to Stay Safe During a Power Outage

If you experience a power outage, there are a few things you can do to stay safe:

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Check to see if your neighbors have power. If they do, the outage may be limited to your home.

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Unplug appliances and electronics to prevent damage when power is restored. Leave one light on so you'll know once power comes back.

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Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. Food will stay cold for several hours in a closed refrigerator or freezer.

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Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for lighting. Do not use candles, as they pose a fire hazard.

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Listen to a battery-powered radio for updates on the outage.

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If you have a generator, follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your local utility company.