Dense Fog — Divide, North Dakota

2023-01-15 to 2023-01-20 · Divide, North Dakota

Event narrative

Multiple locations lost power as a result of frost accumulating on power lines due to the multi-day dense fog event, with some locations losing power for more than a day. Multiple lines were downed as conductors broke, or snapped. Approximately 20 poles and multiple cross-arms were broken due to the additional weight of the frost on power lines. 26 additional workers were brought in by the local electrical co-op to assist with the damage.

Wider weather episode

Multiple days of dense fog combined with below freezing temperatures led to heavy frost and ice forming on power lines over northwest into parts of north central North Dakota. The greatest damage occurred over the far northwest where nearly 60 power poles were broken, with additional poles broken over parts of north central North Dakota. Multiple lines and cross-arms were also damaged or broken. At least 500 customers suffered power losses, some for multiple days. Over southwest North Dakota in Stark County, near zero visibility due to dense fog led to one indirect death. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, a semi-truck jackknifed while traveling along Interstate 94 during the very early morning hours of January 16, with the trailer blocking the westbound passing lane. A 50 year old female from Dickinson, also traveling westbound, died (indirect) when she hit the trailer on the left-rear side and went under it.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1078482. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.