Winds contribute to power outages

High winds contributed to power outages throughout Jamestown Friday, affecting more than 1,000 consumers, according to Otter Tail Power Company Service Representative Rod Heilman.

The National Weather Service attributed the strong winds in central North Dakota to deep low pressure pushing north into south central Canada. Gusts in the area measured up to 45 miles per hour as well as at least one 53-mile-per-hour gust of wind in Jamestown.

Winds that high could cause damage to property, the NWS said.

Lt. Robert Opp, shift supervisor at the Law Enforcement Center dispatch, said the police department hadn’t had any reports of property damage as of Friday evening.

“The trees that fell down didn’t fall on any cars or houses,” he said.

Heilman, as well as fellow Otter Tail Service Representative Chans Price, repaired a downed power line at the Two Rivers Inn in southwest Jamestown. Jesse Christianson of Triple C Tree Removal Service along with friend Justin Hstch of Jamestown removed the tree that caused the downed power line.

Heilman said at least four trees contributed to power outages throughout the city, including parts of the southeast and southwest near Louie L’Amour Elementary School.

Winds were expected to subside Friday night, NWS said. West winds between 13 and 15 miles per hour, with gusts up to 21 miles per hour are expected today.

Sun reporter Katie Ryan-Anderson can be reached at 701-952-8454 or by email at kryananderson@ jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, electricity, wind