Burgum declares emergency following ice storm

On Friday, Dec. 29, Governor Doug Burgum declared a state of emergency after an ice storm that began on Christmas Day caused significant damage to infrastructure and farmland.

According to a press release from the Governor’s office, the emergency declaration encompasses the three-day event of Dec. 25-27 that caused the National Weather Service to issue its first ice storm warning in North Dakota since 2016.

Roads were virtually impassable in the immediate aftermath of the storm, and several accidents occurred throughout the state and locally as a result.

The storm also caused thousands to go without power for long stretches of time. In fact, there were some communities in the Jamestown area that were still without power as of Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Consequently, an emergency shelter was established in Gackle, N.D., located in Logan County, and a warming house was opened in Medina, N.D., in Stutsman County.

As of press time on Wednesday, Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative and Cass County Electric Cooperative were still working to restore power to just over 400 residents in central and southeastern North Dakota, more than a week after the storm.

Otter Tail Power Company, meanwhile, had restored power to all but four of its customers as of Wednesday afternoon.

Freezing rain from the storm coated power lines and poles with ice, while winds toppled over 1,400 poles and snapped power lines, ultimately causing millions of dollars in damages, according to the governor’s press release.

“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,” Burgum said.

“Our state agencies continue to support local response efforts as we prepare to seek a federal disaster declaration and assistance.”

Burgum’s emergency declaration directs state agencies to provide response resources and capabilities if needed to support local and tribal governments.

It also sets the stage for requesting a presidential disaster declaration from the Biden administration, which if granted would unlock FEMA public assistance to help repair infrastructure impacted by the storm.