NYSEG Preparing for Strong Winds - 11 am

Company readying crews and equipment ahead of forecasted wind 

Binghamton, N.Y. — March 1, 2021, 11 a.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) are preparing for the potential of strong winds and scattered snow showers, associated with an incoming storm expected to impact their service areas on Monday afternoon. As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions. The storm is expected to impact the entire NYSEG and RG&E footprint, which includes the Western New York, Rochester, Southern Tier, North Country, Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Westchester regions.

Current forecasts call for strong winds to increase in Western New York around 2:00 p.m., with strongest winds occurring between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Average wind gusts in this region are expected to range between 38 and 42 mph with maximum gusts between 52 and 56 mph. Additionally, while little snow accumulation is forecast, snow squalls are expected between 2 p.m. and midnight and may briefly create limited visibility.

Winds in the company’s Eastern New York service areas are expected to begin early afternoon with strongest gusts occurring between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Tuesday. Average wind gusts in Eastern New York service areas are expected to range between 38 and 45 mph with maximum wind gusts ranging between 48 mph and 60 mph. Scattered, light snow is also predicted in the Eastern service area and may briefly create limited visibility.

Company Preparations

Readying Crews

In preparation for the event, the companies are readying crews to assist with restoration efforts. Company and contractor crews will be onsite and prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response should outages occur. Resources will be placed on a rotational schedule to assist response efforts during the overnight hours.

Equipment Summary

The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any wind or snow related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, 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 Twitter). Customers should also sign up for outage alerts and download the NYSEG or RG&E mobile app to get the most up-to-date information.

Safety Tips

The company also offer 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. 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 800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.

Winter Safety

• Keep electric and gas meters and regulators clear of snow and ice by using a broom or by hand – not a shovel.
• Snow should not be pushed or piled around electric or natural gas meters.
• Beware of exhaust getting trapped by snow around an appliance sidewall outside vent from a natural gas appliance. All equipment outside vents should be kept clear of snow and ice.

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 company’s 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 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