Governor Walz was in Austin Saturday, boarding a National Guard helicopter to get a first-hand look at damage caused by last week's snowstorm that hit much of the state.
The snow and high winds knocked down power poles in the Austin area that knocked out power to thousands, which was restored by crews over the weekend.
Walz met with officials and crews who are worked to get electricity restored.
"Minnesota steps up in moments like these," Walz said in a tweet from Austin. "It’s inspiring to see a community come together around an unwavering commitment to keep their neighbors safe. We will do what we can to bring back a sense of normalcy as soon as possible."
Over 500 power poles are down in the area, leaving thousands of Minnesotans without power. This is a dangerous situation. I heard stories of folks who rely on electricity for their respirators and a plow truck driver who was trapped in a snowstorm between two downed power lines. pic.twitter.com/jtvTq5EUVo
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) April 13, 2019In western Minnesota, National Guard troops are out helping in flood-wracked areas.
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One trouble spot is Oslo, where the Red River is expected to crest at 38 feet. That's just short of the all-time high for the waterway that makes up the border between Minnesota and North Dakota.
