NYSEG Prepares for Rain and Wintry Weather Across the State - 2:00 pm

Rain with potential thunderstorms and strong winds expected to move across NYSEG service areas

BINGHAMTON, New York — November 30, 2020, 2:00 p.m. — NYSEG has been preparing for today’s rain storms which may bring isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds; these storms have begun moving across the company’s service area today and are expected to exit the state this evening. The Company is also monitoring the following day’s forecast in the western NY portions of the service area as the region prepares for possible lake effect snowfall.

Current forecasts call for widespread moderate to heavy rain and strong winds during the day, with most areas forecasted to see up to 1.50 inches of rain and isolated areas seeing up to two inches of rain. Some thunderstorms may develop in the afternoon and evening for brief periods; these storms could produce hazardous wind gusts of up to 50-55 mph in the company’s Brewster and Mechanicville divisions which include portions of Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, Columbia, Saratoga, Rensselaer and Washington Counties.  Rain and snow will continue in the Eastern New York region on Tuesday.

In Western New York, moderate to heavy rain, up to 1.25 inches, is expected before becoming lighter snow showers tonight with minor accumulation. Occasional wind gusts are possible in the company’s Lancaster and Lockport areas along the Lake Erie shore.

On Tuesday, snow is expected in the Western New York region during the day and will continue through the night. Current forecasted accumulations between 4-12” in the Lancaster and Lockport areas. This storm may also bring winds averaging 25-35 mph with peak gusts at 40 mph during the day. While the forecast should not bring significant system impacts, resources are at the ready to respond as necessary.

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 an outage occur. The companies urge customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service disruptions.

Readying Crews
The Company has mobilized an additional 110 contract line and 40 tree resources to the Brewster division and 80 additional contract line and 40 tree resources to the Mechanicville division to supplement company and contract resources onsite to facilitate an effective and efficient response if outages occur. Resources will be placed on a rotational schedule to ensure response through the overnight hours as necessary. All other areas are retaining resources in anticipation of potential scattered interruptions.

Equipment Summary
The line and tree crews are prepared to respond to any strong wind and rain related issues across the state with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks and backhoes. Additionally, new wooden poles and replacement transformers are being strategically placed to streamline restoration efforts.

COVID-19
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 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.

How to Stay Up-To-Date
NYSEG will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the company’s website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Customers should also sign up for email alerts and download the NYSEG 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 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 email 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:

  • Ridge Harris
    Ridge.Harris@avangrid.com
    518.502.4550
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