Power Outages and Wildfire Risks in Colorado Due to Storm

Denver, Colorado United States of America
Around three million people were under these alerts on Sunday morning, including those living in Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, Jefferson County and other parts of Colorado. The winds caused significant damage to power lines leading to widespread power outages across the state with around 150,000 customers affected by Monday.
Crews were required to visually inspect over 62 miles of lines after preemptive shutoff due to high winds in order restore power once the wind died down on Sunday afternoon. The restoration process could take time and extend into Monday or even longer due to number of customers without power.
On Sunday, April 7th, a powerful storm swept across Colorado causing widespread damage and power outages. The National Weather Service issued high wind warnings for the eastern plains of Colorado and red flag warnings in areas deemed at critical risk of experiencing a large wildfire.
Power Outages and Wildfire Risks in Colorado Due to Storm

On Sunday, April 7th, a powerful storm swept across Colorado causing widespread damage and power outages. The National Weather Service issued high wind warnings for the eastern plains of Colorado and red flag warnings in areas deemed at critical risk of experiencing a large wildfire. Around three million people were under these alerts on Sunday morning, including those living in Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, Jefferson County and other parts of Colorado. The winds caused significant damage to power lines leading to widespread power outages across the state with around 150,000 customers affected by Monday. Crews were required to visually inspect over 62 miles of lines after preemptive shutoff due to high winds in order restore power once the wind died down on Sunday afternoon. The restoration process could take time and extend into Monday or even longer due to number of customers without power.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if the storm caused any direct damage to homes or businesses in Colorado.
  • The article does not provide information on how long it will take for power to be restored.

Sources

68%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Xcel: Power outages in Colorado could continue into Monday

Denver News Group Dot Com (KDVR) the full name of the news site A team works this year's coverage is not affected by Scoring Rules Samantha Jarpe Sunday, 07 April 2024 16:22
  • Unique Points
    • Power outages for around 150,000 customers across Colorado could continue past Monday, April 8.
    • Dangerously strong winds swept across the area on Saturday and Sunday, causing the outages.
    • Around 100,0 additional customers also suffered outages from the high winds.
    • Crews were required to visually inspect over 62 miles of lines after preemptive shutoff and would begin working to restore power after the winds died down Sunday afternoon.
    • The restoration process could take time and extend into Monday or even longer due to number of customers without power.
    • Jefferson County had the highest number of impacted customers at over 62,000.
    • Lakewood, Denver and Boulder all saw a significant number of outages with each city reporting over 15,000 customers affected.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The article is misleading in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that power outages will continue into Monday when Xcel has stated that they may be resolved by then. Secondly, the body of the article states that around 150,000 customers are affected but fails to mention that this number includes those who were preemptively shut off as a safety measure. This gives an inaccurate impression of the true extent of the outages. Lastly, Xcel is quoted saying that restoration may take time and could extend into Monday or even longer, which implies they do not know for certain when power will be restored.
    • The body of the article states that around 150,000 customers are affected but fails to mention those who were preemptively shut off as a safety measure.
    • Xcel is quoted saying that restoration may take time and could extend into Monday or even longer, which implies they do not know for certain when power will be restored.
    • The title implies that power outages will continue into Monday when Xcel has stated that they may be resolved by then.
  • Fallacies (70%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when they quote Xcel Energy's statement about the power outages. They also use a dichotomy by stating that before the strongest winds began, around 55,000 customers were shut off as a safety measure and then another 100,000 suffered outages from the high winds. This creates an either/or situation where it seems like Xcel only cared about preventing wildfires in Boulder County and not other areas that experienced power outages. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that dangerously strong winds swept across the area on Saturday and Sunday, causing the outages. This creates a sense of urgency and fear for readers without providing any context or information about what caused these winds.
    • Xcel Energy said power outages for around 150,000 customers across Colorado could continue past Monday, April 8.
  • Bias (75%)
    The article contains a statement that Xcel Energy said power outages for around 150,000 customers across Colorado could continue past Monday. This is an example of monetary bias as it implies that the company has control over when the power will be restored and may benefit financially from prolonged outages.
    • Dangerously strong winds swept across the area on Saturday and Sunday, causing the outages.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      Samantha Jarpe has a conflict of interest on the topics of Xcel Energy and power outages in Colorado as she is reporting for DENVER (KDVR), which is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group. This group has financial ties to Xcel Energy through its ownership stake in Koch Industries, which owns several energy companies including Xcel.
      • The article mentions that power outages could continue into Monday and does not disclose any information about the cause of these outages.
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      76%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      Denver weather: Pinpoint Weather Alert Day as winds taper, sunny skies on the way

      Entertainment Variety Tv Site: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv-site/ Greg Perez Monday, 08 April 2024 02:59
      • Unique Points
        • Power outages for around 150,000 customers across Colorado could continue past Monday.
        • Dangerously strong winds swept across the area on Saturday and Sunday, causing the outages.
        • Around 3 million people were under red flag warnings in areas deemed at critical risk of experiencing a large wildfire.
      • Accuracy
        • Around 3 million people were under red flag warnings as of 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
      • Deception (30%)
        The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that winds will remain very strong and lead to property damage, difficult travel and possible power outages. However, this is not supported by any evidence in the article. Secondly, the author quotes a High Wind Warning for the eastern plains but fails to disclose its duration or location which could have been used as an opportunity to provide more context about where it applies. Thirdly, there are multiple instances of selective reporting with statements such as 'Outdoor burning is not recommended' and 'Looking ahead: Warming back up Tuesday', which only report details that support the author's position without providing a balanced view. Lastly, the article contains an example of deceptive phrasing by stating that winds will be coming out of the northeast with some gusts as high as 15 mph when in fact it is not clear if this is accurate or relevant to the rest of the weather forecast.
        • The author uses sensationalism by stating that winds will remain very strong and lead to property damage, difficult travel and possible power outages. However, this is not supported by any evidence in the article.
      • Fallacies (70%)
        The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that High Wind Warnings are in place until 6 p.m. Sunday for the eastern plains and a Red Flag Warning through Sunday evening at 8 p.m.
        • > Fastest wind gusts reported across Colorado this weekend
        • High Wind Warnings are in place until 6 p.m.
        • Red Flag Warning through Sunday evening
      • Bias (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      67%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      Xcel Energy extends power outage through Monday for Boulder County customers

      Daily Camera Andrea Grajeda Sunday, 07 April 2024 18:26
      • Unique Points
        • Crews need to wait for winds to die down before restoring power. Getting power back on some time Monday is a moving target as crews work through the weekend outages and beyond.
        • Xcel Energy turned off more than 600 miles of power lines around 3 p.m. Saturday due to high winds along the Front Range, according to information on their website.
      • Accuracy
        • Many Boulder County Xcel Energy customers could experience power outages through Monday and beyond as crews work to safely restore power lines.
      • Deception (50%)
        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Xcel Energy turned off power for public safety reasons when it was actually to reduce the risk of wildfire. This statement misrepresents the reason behind the outage and implies that Xcel Energy prioritizes public safety over customer convenience which is not true.
        • The article states 'Turning off customers' power is not something we take lightly, but intended to decrease the risk of wildfire.' However, this statement contradicts Xcel Energy's own statement on their website that they turned off power for public safety reasons.
        • The author claims that Xcel Energy prioritizes public safety over customer convenience which is not true.
        • Xcel Energy states 'If any proactive de-energization is necessary, we will attempt to contact affected customers directly.' However, this statement contradicts the fact that many Boulder County customers were without power and no mention was made of attempts to contact them.
      • Fallacies (70%)
        The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when stating that Xcel Energy turned off power for public safety reasons without providing any evidence or quotes from experts in the field. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing wind gusts of up to 97 mph as 'extremely high' and a red flag warning signifying high fire danger as 'high'. The article also contains an example of a dichotomous depiction when stating that Xcel Energy cut off power to about 55,000 customers in Boulder, Gilpin, Larimer, Douglas, Broomfield and Jefferson Counties around 3 p.m. Saturday but did not mention any other counties affected by the outage.
        • Xcel Energy turned off power for public safety reasons
        • wind gusts of up to 97 mph were reported over Saturday night
        • The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning signifying high fire danger from noon Saturday through 6 p.m. Sunday, as well as a high wind warning effective through noon Sunday for the Boulder County area
      • Bias (85%)
        The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who disagree with Xcel Energy's decision to turn off power lines for public safety reasons.
        • <br> Before the power outage, Xcel Energy said that it would consider temporarily turning off power lines due to the high fire danger in certain areas of Boulder, Gilpin and Jefferson counties.
          • > Many Boulder County Xcel Energy customers could experience power outages through Monday and beyond as crews work to safely restore power lines, a utility company spokesman said Sunday. <br> Getting power back on some time Monday is a “moving target” as crews need to wait for winds to die down, Holder said.
            • On Saturday afternoon, stop lights were out at several key intersections on Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder and at some intersections along the Diagonal Highway between Boulder and Longmont as extremely high winds gusted through the area.
              • Xcel Energy's interactive map on its website shows where power is out Sunday afternoon. You can check the map at: https://www.outagemap-xcelenergy.com/outagemap (Map courtesy of Xcel Energy)
                • Xcel Energy turned off more than 600 miles of power lines around 3 p.m. Saturday as weather forecasters predicted high winds along the Front Range, according to information on the company’s website. <br> Crews will need to visually inspect power lines to ensure safety before restoring power, according to an Xcel tweet Sunday morning.
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  The author of the article has a conflict of interest with Xcel Energy as they are owned by Eversource which is also mentioned in the article. The author also mentions Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital which could be seen as an affiliation.
                  • .
                    • /. ./.,./.
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Xcel Energy as they are reporting on power outages caused by the company. The article also mentions Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital which could be another potential source of bias.
                      • .
                        • /. ./.,./.

                        71%

                        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                        High Winds Create ‘Critical’ Fire Risk in Parts of Central U.S.

                        The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Aimee Ortiz, Saturday, 06 April 2024 21:37
                        • Unique Points
                          • Powerful winds in Oklahoma and Colorado fueled fires.
                          • Nearly three million people were under red flag warnings on Sunday morning.
                          • Two firefighters were injured and being treated for burns.
                        • Accuracy
                          • There were eight reports of wildfires in Oklahoma on Saturday.
                          • Two firefighters were injured and being treated for burns, KOCO reported.
                        • Deception (50%)
                          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title claims that high winds create a critical fire risk in parts of Central U.S., but it does not specify which regions are at risk or what specific conditions make them so dangerous.
                          • In northwest Oklahoma, a wildfire prompted officials to issue an evacuation order for the town of Sharon. The order was lifted hours later but firefighters were still trying to contain the fire on Sunday morning.
                        • Fallacies (70%)
                          The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the National Weather Service said something without providing any evidence or context for their statement. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when they describe the situation as a 'critical fire risk' and use phrases like 'nearly three million people were under red flag warnings'. This is an exaggeration of the actual number of people affected by the high winds and dry conditions. The article also contains several examples of dichotomous depictions, such as describing areas that are at critical risk while also stating that other areas have a heightened risk but not necessarily critical. Finally, there are no direct quotes from any experts or authorities in the article to support their claims.
                          • The author uses an appeal to authority by stating 'the National Weather Service said' without providing evidence or context for their statement.
                        • Bias (80%)
                          The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses the phrase 'critical fire risk' to create a sense of urgency and fear in readers, which is an example of emotional appeal. Additionally, the use of phrases such as 'powerful winds fueled fires' creates a false association between wind power and wildfires.
                          • The article uses the phrase 'critical fire risk' to create a sense of urgency and fear in readers
                            • The author uses language that dehumanizes those affected by the high winds, such as referring to them as 'millions of people'
                              • The use of phrases such as 'powerful winds fueled fires' creates a false association between wind power and wildfires
                              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication