NYSEG and RG&E Preparing for Thunderstorms and High Winds Across the State - 1 pm

Companies have pre-staged more than 250 additional crews across the region

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — May 16, 2022, 1:00 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are preparing for high winds and rain associated with incoming thunderstorms expected to hit the companies' service areas this afternoon and into the evening. As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions. The storm is expected to impact most of the NYSEG and RG&E footprint, which includes Western New York, Rochester, Southern Tier, Capital Region and Hudson Valley.

Current forecasts call for thunderstorms to begin in Western New York and move east across the state. The storms are expected to bring rain and winds, with gusts that could reach upwards of 65 mph. The strong winds, combined with rain, have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment. The storms are expected to move out of the state by 11 p.m. tonight. The companies urge customers to monitor forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions.

The companies’ storm readiness teams have been monitoring weather forecasts, planning, readying crews and equipment, mobilizing employees for storm duty, and have additional contract tree and line crews ready to help restore service should outages occur.

NYSEG 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 Outage Alerts and download the NYSEG Mobile App to get the most up-to-date information.

Company Preparations

Readying Crews

The companies have pre-staged over 250 additional crews throughout the Binghamton, Brewster, Mechanicville, Oneonta, and Plattsburgh divisions to facilitate an effective and efficient response if outages occur.

Equipment Summary

Line and tree crews are prepared to respond, with company and contractor personnel readying bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks and backhoes.

Safety Tips

The company offers customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.

Before a Storm Strikes

• Use our new Mobile App to report and check the status of outages. Download the application in the Apple or Android app stores. 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 nyseg.com/alerts .
• 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 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 800.572.1131.
• 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 800.572.1131 to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the companies 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  and the company's social media pages:

• Facebook: @NYSEandG
• Twitter: @NYSEandG

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