Summer storm safety tips
Summer in Minnesota means thunderstorms, which can quickly grow dangerous, especially if powerlines are affected. Be prepared for the weather this summer.
Posted by Lauren Dublin on June 4, 2025
Summer in Minnesota means thunderstorms, which can quickly grow dangerous, especially if powerlines are affected. Be prepared for the weather this summer!
Stay away from downed power lines. There is no way to tell just by looking at them if they’re energized. Power lines can still carry electric currents, including energizing the ground around it.
If you experience a power outage, report it online or through our automated hotline (763) 477-3100. You'll need to call from the phone number on your account. Do not report your outage through our social media.
Keep your contact information current. Accurate phone numbers allow WH to quickly find your service address to record the outage when you call it in. Call (763) 477-3000 if you need to update your account information.
Get outage updates on our Facebook, outage X account (formerly Twitter), and outage.whe.org. WH crews are working hard to safely get your power back on. Restoration times can vary depending on the outage’s cause.
Charge your cell phones and backup batteries, and find your flashlights before they're needed.
If a power line falls on your car, stay inside the car until first responders tell you it’s safe to get out. If the vehicle starts on fire and you must get out, open the door and jump as far away from the vehicle as possible, being sure not to touch your car and the ground at the same time. Hop away from the vehicle.
Plus, create a storm preparedness kit with these tips from ready.gov.
