NYSEG and RG&E Preparing for Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby

Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding Expected

 

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — August 8, 2024, 3 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are preparing for the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby which is expected to bring heavy rain, potential flooding, and possible severe weather to the areas directly in its path. Moderate winds are anticipated to accompany the front. This storm has the likelihood to affect all NYSEG and RG&E’s service areas, which include Western New York, Rochester, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, North Country, Capital Region, Hudson Valley, and Westchester regions.


Current forecasts call for scattered showers throughout the day Thursday and early Friday as the system enters the state, with a changeover to heavier and more widespread rain as it tracks north. The central region of the state is expected to experience the brunt of the storm as its epicenter crosses the area, with neighboring territories feeling the effects of its outer bands. The storm is forecast to exit the state by Saturday morning.


The Companies urge customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of power outages.


As part of the Companies’ storm preparedness protocol, they have been closely monitoring weather forecasts, strategically planning, assembling crews and equipment, and activating employees for storm duty. They have also alerted additional contract tree and line crews that will be available to help restore service should outages occur.

Company Preparations

Readying Crews

In preparation for the event, the Companies have pre-staged approximately 170 additional line crews and 80 additional 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, recognizing the importance of agility in shifting resources to respond to areas of concern.

Equipment Summary

The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any rain, flooding, or wind related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, woodchippers, dump trucks, and backhoes.

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 X). 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.

Safety Tips

The Companies also offer customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do 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 Companies’ social media pages:

  • Facebook: @NYSEandG
  • X: @NYSEandG
  • Facebook: @RochGandE
  • X: @RGandE

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Media Contact:

Stacy Bartl
Stacybartl2@rge.com
585.233.4878

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