8:30 PM NYSEG Crews Continue Working to Restore Power Caused by Damaging Winds

Reports of downed trees and wires disrupt service to customers

Company shifting resources to impacted areas, crews will remain engaged as wind gusts continue through the evening, into Monday

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — October 19, 2025 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is responding to power outages due to a storm system moving through the state, impacting much of its service area. NYSEG is assessing damage, making repairs, and shifting crews to impacted areas as needed. The Company pre-staged crews on Saturday, ready to respond to impacted areas. Crews will remain engaged as wind gusts continue through this evening into Monday. 

At the peak of this event on Sunday, 16,000 customers were without power. Currently, just over 5,000 remain without power. Thus far the most impacted areas have been the Company’s Elmira division, which includes Steuben, Schuyler, and Chemung counties; the Binghamton division, which includes Broome, Chenango, and Tioga counties and the Geneva division, which includes Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, and Yates counties. 

Initial field reports indicate sustained and gusty winds have caused downed trees, wires, and broken poles as the first wave of the weather event crossed the state, with wind speeds reaching and exceeding 45 MPH. The forecast is calling for continued winds and potential thunderstorms Sunday evening into Monday. NYSEG began planning and staging crews on Saturday and is continuing to acquire, stage, and shift resources as needed as the weather event matures and impacts are known.  Thus far Company has more than 100 lineworkers and 20 tree crew personnel. NYSEG storm response teams remain fully engaged with crews assessing damage, making downed wires safe, clearing fallen tree debris from roads, and restoring power. 

NYSEG urges customers to stay away from storm debris as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment. Customers should assume all downed wires are energized and dangerous and report them by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 1.800.572.1131 or contacting 911. Customers should also be aware that the storm may continue to cause damage through the day as it leaves the area, and especially as ground saturation may cause continued tree-related outages. 

NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the Company’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X). The Company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe if power outages do occur. 

Outage Information:

• Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text or e-mail as the company updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG.
• Customers can use the new NYSEG mobile app to report and check the status of outages. To download the application, customers should search “Avangrid” in the Apple or Android app stores  and select “NYSEG.” The application is free to download.

Stay Away From Downed Wires:

• Stay at least 30 feet from a downed power line.
• If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle to avoid any contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and hop with feet together or shuffle away; don’t run or stride.
• NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations. 

During a Power Interruption

• Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. A loss of power may be the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
• To report a power interruption, contact NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours if you minimize the opening of the refrigerator and freezer doors.

 

Power Restoration Priorities:

The company’s first priority is to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe.  NYSEG customers are asked to call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the company will:
 • Assess the damage to the electricity delivery system.
• Develop a detailed restoration plan.
• Make repairs as quickly as possible.

For additional information, including storm preparation tips, storm safety information, generator safety information, restoration priorities and emergency resources, visit Outage Central at NYSEG.com and on the company’s social media pages:
 • Facebook: @NYSEandG
• X (Formerly Twitter): @NYSEandG
• Instagram: @nyseg.co
 
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Media Contact:
Alexis Arnold
alexis.arnold@avangrid.com
585.953.3159