NYSEG Crews Ready for High Winds and Heavy Rain

Company preparing as remnants of Tropical Storm Isaias move through region

BINGHAMTON, New York — August 3, 2020, 3:00 p.m. — NYSEG, a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc., is preparing for high winds and heavy rain associated with Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to move into the region on Tuesday. As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions. The storm is expected to impact the company’s Westchester, Hudson Valley, Catskill, and Capital Region service areas.

Current forecasts call for heavy rain to move into the region Tuesday afternoon, with wind gusts approaching 35-40 mph and potentially up to 50 mph in the Westchester/Putnam region. Total rainfall of 1-4 inches of rain are expected. Softened soil conditions as a result of the heavy rain, coupled with gusty winds, have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment.

The company is urging customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions. The company’s storm response team has been monitoring weather forecasts, planning and readying crews and equipment. Pre-staged crews have been deployed to the south eastern portions of the state, while additional contract tree and line crews have been secured to help restore service should outages occur. Currently there are more than 1,100 field personnel ready to assist in restoration efforts. The company is also coordinating preparations with state and local emergency management authorities.

Recognizing that many residents are currently home due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, for everyone’s safety, the company asks customers to observe a six-foot social distance if they must be near our workers and always remain outside the work zone. Allowing crews to remain uninterrupted and focused on their work enables workers to determine damage and make repairs more quickly.

NYSEG will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the company’s website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). 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 new 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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 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 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
  • Twitter: @NYSEandG

Learn about the Iberdrola Group’s global pandemic response at its COVID-19 Hub.

 

 

Media Contacts:

  • Michael Jamison
    Michael.Jamison@avangrid.com
    203.997.7906 (cellphone)
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