TERC Responds to Snowmageddon 2022
Back-to-back snow events brought heavy wet snow frigid temperatures, dangerous windchills, and power outages
By VIVIAN LAMOORE, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
This is Minnesota. We know Minnesota winters have the capacity to bring snow, wind, cold, sub-zero temperatures and temps above freezing, rain, thunder, lightning, sunshine, and clouds — sometimes all within a 24-hour period. Being prepared for just about anything and everything is a good rule of thumb — especially in the winter. With that in mind, coupled with the importance of keeping Band members informed and safe, the Tribal Emergency Response Committee is constantly monitoring as much information from state and federal partners as possible, specifically regarding issues of public health and safety. That is why when the weather turns toward the ominous and the safety of the community has the potential to be threatening, the TERC will pull together for discussion and action if necessary. That is exactly what happened in mid-December 2022.
Meteorologists on news stations from the Twin Cities to Duluth had been broadcasting news for days about the possibility of an impending storm that had the potential to dump copious amounts of snow across much of the state. And when Monte Fronk, Emergency Management Coordinator for the Mille Lacs Band, received information straight from the National Weather Service in Duluth that the storm was highly likely to occur and affect most areas of the Mille Lacs Band Reservation and beyond, the TERC gathered via Zoom to create a plan to ensure the safety of the communities to the best of their ability.
When it comes to weather, no one can predict with 100 percent certainty everything that can happen. But the forecast was calling for rain, snow, wind, cold, everything in between, and combinations of it all. The biggest threat began with snow — and lots of it. Up to 20 inches fell within a 24-hour period depending on where you live. In the Vineland area, for example, reports came in from snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches. Due to temperatures mostly in the double digits above zero and at times above freezing, the storm came in with a rain/ snow mix and heavy, wet snow.
The Band Road Crews were prepared to begin plowing at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14. But the National Weather Service was advising no travel in most of the Reservation areas. With the safety of all Band members and employees in mind, the TERC recommended to Band leadership that all government offices, including Health and Human Services, clinics and pharmacy, schools, and outer district offices be closed for the day. Band leadership agreed and the decision was made.
It was all-hands-on-deck for the TERC and all road crews, including any Band department with the availability of any kind of plow truck for that day. Reservation roads were cleared and Elders’ driveways were plowed as quickly as possible. But the full impact of the storm was yet to be determined.
Due to the moisture content in the snow, many areas experienced power outages — some for several hours, and some for more than a day. The TERC anticipated some power outages, and with the help of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, district offices, and Emergency Services staff from HHS, arrangements were made for emergency shelter for Band members should they find themselves without power for extended periods of time.
It was inevitable. Strong winds with gusts in excess of 50 mph in some areas blew through the region, causing downed trees and power lines. East Central Energy reported widespread power outages, impacting over 6,000 customers across the region, with the largest numbers located in Douglas, Pine, Kanabec, and portions of Mille Lacs counties. ECE sent word due to ongoing weather conditions that it could be a multi-day effort to restore power to all affected. Similar messages came in from Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative and other energy coops throughout the region.
Many Band members found themselves without power and many sought refuge at available resources. More snow was still expected.
Again the TERC recommended the closure on Thursday, December 15, of all government offices, including Health and Human Services, clinics and pharmacy, schools, and outer district offices for the day. Band leadership agreed and the decision was made.
As conditions improved somewhat, the TERC recommended a two-hour late start for Friday, December 16, and again, Band leadership agreed and the decision was made. But some areas were still without power and emergency shelter arrangements were available to Band members.
Round two of winter storm advisories, watches, and warnings hit days later on Wednesday, December 20. With powerlines and trees already covered in heavy, wet snow, more power outages were expected. Again, the TERC, HHS Emergency Services, and MLCV arranged for sheltering services and all road crews were at the ready. DNR Wildland Crews stepped in with chainsaws to help clear debris and downed trees where possible.
Weather conditions deteriorated, with dangerously cold windchills in the 25 to 30 below zero range. The decision was made again that all Mille Lacs Band government offices, including Health and Human Services, outer offices, and schools would be closed for Thursday, December 22, 2022.
Although 2022 went out with a bang, it is highly likely that winter weather conditions will last for a few months into 2023. Rest assured that the TERC will keep you informed and do the best they can to help prepare the community for the worst that winter can give. Be safe, everyone.