Submitted Photo One of hundreds of utility poles downed by a snow and ice storm, this photo taken near White Shield by lineman Loren Desjardins with McLean Electric Cooperative shows the damage area utility crews are facing as they attempt to restore power to members.

An estimated 1,500 customers remain without power early Sunday morning after a storm that brought ice and heavy snow, and took down hundreds of power poles and miles of power line. Much of southern and western Ward County are without power.

Verendrye crews are busy working to restore as many outages as they can, but because of the extent of the problems, some people could be without power for a number of days. Verendrye has contractors lined up to help restore outages. People can report outages and downed lines 24/7 by calling 800-472-2141.

The situation is similar with other area cooperatives.

Always assume downed power lines are energized and stay away from them.