SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's Division of Emergency Management is warning it could be days before power is fully restored from the windstorm.
As of 4:00 p.m., nearly 174,000 homes were without power according to Rocky Mountain Power.
PHOTOS: Storm causes heavy wind damage in Utah
Crews are working to try to restore power, but with winds forecast to continue until tomorrow and falling trees impacting lines, it could be some time.
With temperatures expected to drop into the 30s and 40s, state emergency officials urged people to prepare for some cold nights over the next two days.
Salt Lake County officials announced they will open warming centers in association with the Red Cross for those without power or a place to stay during the temperature drop. Those requiring power for medical devices are also urged to visit one of the centers.
The warming centers will open at the following locations:
- Northwest Recreation Center 125 W. Clark Avenue, Salt Lake City
- Emerson Ward at 808 E. Roosevelt Avenue, Salt Lake City
- Millcreek Community Center at 2266 E. Evergreen Avenue, Salt Lake City
- Stake Center at 3650 W. 4400 South, West Valley City
If you will be staying at home without power, residents are being told to dress in layers and utilize multiple blankets if needed, DEM said. You can also have family members stay in one room to conserve heat. However, do not bring in anything combustible like a propane stove, a grill or a generator. That could create a carbon monoxide hazard.
Rocky Mountain Power spokesman Spencer Hall spoke with FOX 13 about the status of power restoration efforts and how to stay safe as power lines are still down in many areas:
