New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are gearing up for strong winds and possible thunderstorms expected to sweep across much of New York today and continuing into Thursday.
The utilities warn that the storm could cause power outages across their service areas, with the most significant impacts expected in NYSEG’s Mechanicville, Brewster, and Lancaster divisions, as well as all of RG&E’s divisions. Those areas include parts of Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Washington, Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Cayuga, Ontario, Monroe, Orleans, Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, Wyoming, and Wayne counties.
Forecasts call for sustained winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 60 miles per hour in some areas. Thunderstorms are also possible, and NYSEG’s Plattsburgh Division could see 2 to 3 inches of wet snow.
In preparation, the companies have been monitoring forecasts, readying crews and equipment, and mobilizing staff for storm response. In addition to internal crews, more than 400 additional tree and line contractors will be on standby to assist with restoration efforts if outages occur.
How to Stay Up to Date
NYSEG and RG&E will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Customers should also sign up for email alerts and download the NYSEG or RG&E mobile app to get the most up-to-date information.
