NYSEG and RG&E Prepared for Strong Storm System Moving Across New York

High winds expected to be the primary threat, with thunderstorms possible Monday, and a transition to snow late Monday into Tuesday

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — March 15, 2026 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) crews are prepared for a strong storm system expected to move across New York State beginning Sunday evening and continuing into Tuesday. The storm is expected to bring damaging winds, the potential for thunderstorms Monday afternoon, and a possible transition to snow Monday night into Tuesday across portions of the Companies’ service territories, with the potential for service disruptions in some areas.


This storm is expected to impact all service areas, with the greatest potential for outages in western and central portions of the state, including Lancaster, Rochester Central, Binghamton, Oneonta, Plattsburgh, Mechanicville, and Brewster. In preparation for the event, the Company has pre-staged numerous line and tree crews across the state to assist with restoration efforts if needed. Company and contractor crews will be onsite and prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response should outages occur.


Current forecasts indicate that a strong low-pressure system and associated cold front will move across New York, bringing widespread gusty winds that could reach 45 to 60 mph in some areas, particularly across western portions of the state and near the lakeshores. Thunderstorms are also possible as the system moves through the region and could produce locally stronger wind gusts and small hail. As colder air moves in behind the system, rain may transition to snow late Monday into Tuesday, with the potential for accumulating snow in some areas, and forecast snowfall totals remaining uncertain.


The Companies have been closely monitoring weather forecasts and have taken steps to prepare for the approaching storm, including staging crews and equipment across the state, mobilizing employees for storm response, and securing additional contract line and tree resources. NYSEG and RG&E are ready to respond and restore service as safely and quickly as possible should outages occur.

Storm Preparedness 

How to Stay Up-to-Date

NYSEG and RG&E will provide updates throughout the event on their websites and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and X). Customers should consider signing up for email alerts and download the NYSEG or RG&E mobile app to get the most up-to-date information.

Safety Tips

The Company offers our customers the following reminders to prepare and stay safe if power outages occur.

Before a storm strikes:

  • You can use our mobile apps 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” or “RG&E.” The application is free to download.
  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the Companies update the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG and here for RG&E.
  • Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
  • Make sure that smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are fully charged.
  • Fill your car’s fuel tank.

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 and RG&E customers should call 1.800.743.1701 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 or RG&E at 1.800.743.1701.
•    Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.

Power restoration priorities:
The Companies’ first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. NYSEG customers are asked to call 1.800.572.1131 and RG&E customers are asked to call at 1.800.743.1701 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 or RGE.com and on the company’s social media pages:

  • Facebook: @NYSEandG
  • X (Twitter): @NYSEandG
  • Instagram: @nyseg.co
  • Facebook: @RochGandE
  • X (Twitter): @RGandE
  • Instagram: @rochestergasandelectric

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Media Contact:

Michael Baggerman
mbaggerman@nyseg.com
716.368.1284