South Dakota Extreme Wind Weather Event

Recent extreme wind conditions caused significant damage across South Dakota, leading to widespread outages. Black Hills Energy crews are working to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. Here’s what you need to know:

For current outage information:

Check outage map: View our online outage map for real-time updates on outages in your area.
Stay informed: Sign up for alerts in your online account profile to receive updates by text, email, or phone. We’ll also provide updates here and on our Facebook page.
Safety information: The safety of our crews and customers are our number one priority. Visit our Electric Safety section for more ways to stay safe and prepared during an outage and extreme-weather event.
Additional support: Please reach out to the Red Cross at 844-292-7677.

Our restoration process

After severe wind damage, when it’s safe to do so, crews must:

Assess and repair downed lines, poles and damaged equipment.
Remove debris and make sure the area is safe before restoring power.
Restoration times may vary based on the extent of damage and weather conditions.
Our first priority is to get power back on to critical services.

Please note: Power may be out in some parts of the service territory for an extended time, potentially through the weekend—especially in rural areas farther from main power feeders. Utility crews from eastern South Dakota, North Dakota, and Colorado are traveling to support the restoration effort.

Event updates

🔺Dec. 18, 9:00 p.m. MST - This will be our last update tonight; we’ll provide more information tomorrow morning. Some areas may remain without power for an extended amount of time, potentially through the weekend, especially in rural locations farther from main power feeders. We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by our customers throughout this process and want to thank our emergency managers, first responders, local and state officials and city and county leaders for their partnership and response.

To report an outage, go to our online outages map page.

🔺Dec. 18, 6:00 p.m. MST - Our crews will continue to work into the early evening to restore power following damage caused by downed power lines and damaged poles from the extreme wind storm. Due to the extent of the damage, some outages may last overnight and could extend through the weekend. Customers without power after 7 p.m. this evening are encouraged to prepare to be without power overnight.

We’ve worked tirelessly to safely restore service to over 60% of the impacted customers from the weather event. Currently, less than 9,000 customers remain without power. Those without power should continue to prepare for an extended outage through the night.

Please keep these safety tips in mind.

Assume any downed power line is energized. Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen line. Do not try to rescue someone in contact with a power line.
Do not open your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Undisturbed food will remain frozen in most freezers for 12 to 48 hours.
Use generator safely, it needs to be in a well-ventilated area. Never operate it indoors or in your garage.
Check on family members, neighbors or others who may need assistance during extended outages.

If you need additional support, please reach out to the Red Cross at 844-292-7677.

Restoration efforts will continue as crews safely assess damage and complete remaining repairs. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our crews work as safely and quickly as possible to restore service.

For more outage details and updates please follow this page and our social media.

🔺Dec. 18, 3:00 p.m. MST - We have additional crews coming from South Dakota, Colorado and North Dakota to help restore power and repair damage caused by extreme winds. Crews are working to reach impacted areas but travel remains difficult. We appreciate your patience and support for these crews as they work as safely and quickly as possible in these conditions. Stay informed here and on social media.

🔺Dec. 18, 12:38 p.m. MST - We continue responding to emergency situations and restoration effort are ongoing. We urge caution around downed powerlines. Do not try to remove any debris if it is on a powerline or outdoor electrical equipment. If you see a downed powerline, stay away and call 911. If you are receiving notifications that your power has been restored but are still without power, please report your outage on our online outage map.

🔺Dec. 18, 10:00 a.m. MST - With improving weather conditions, crews are patrolling the electric system to inspect for downed powerlines and damages so power restoration activities can safely continue.

▪️Use caution around downed powerlines.
▪️Do not try to remove any debris if it is on a powerline or outdoor electrical equipment.
▪️If you see a downed powerline, stay away and call 911.
▪️Assume any downed power line is energized.

🔺Dec. 18, 7:58 a.m. MST - We are responding to multiple power outages due to extreme high winds. Approximately 16,000 customers in the Black Hills area are currently without power. Crews are inspecting damage and making repairs. We'll continue to provide ongoing updates here and on our social media.

🔺Dec. 18, 4:30 a.m. MST - The high winds are causing many outages across our service territory. Our crews are responding to emergency situations and will continue restoration as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Please follow us here or on social media for updates as this weather event continues.

Stay safe:
▪️ Assume any downed power line is energized. Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen line. Do not try to rescue someone in contact with a power line.
▪️ Unplug sensitive computer and electronic equipment or protect them with a high-quality surge protector.
▪️ Leave a lamp or electric radio on so you know when service is restored.
▪️ Do not open your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Undisturbed food will remain frozen in most freezers for 12 to 48 hours.
▪️ Use generator safely, it needs to be in a well-ventilated area. Never operate it indoors or in your garage.

You can visit our online outage map to see current outages in your area.

Frequently asked questions

How can I see if my area is without power?

You can check our online outage map for updates. The map shows affected areas and the number of customers impacted.

What should I do if I see a downed power line?

Leave the area immediately and never touch the line or anything in contact with it (including trees, fences, or water). Call 911 immediately and then report it to Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554.

Is it safe to clear debris near power lines?

No. Never attempt to clear debris that is touching or near a power line. Wait for crews to handle it. If you see debris on or near electrical equipment, report it to Black Hills Energy.

Do I need to call an electrician?

Severe winds can damage a home’s service mast – a mast is on the outside of the home’s roof or meter and looks like a metal tube or pipe. The mast feeds electricity to the home from overhead power lines. Homeowners are encouraged to look at the mast – but do not touch, because it’s energized – and if it appears to be loose, bent, or damaged, contact a certified electrician to schedule a repair. Additional information can be found by going to our electric storm safety page.

How can I keep my family safe during an outage?

Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
Keep generators outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Avoid opening refrigerators and freezers to keep food cold longer.
Stay away from damaged poles, wires and electrical equipment.

Who should I contact for an emergency?

If you see a dangerous situation like a downed power line, call 911 first, then report it to Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554.