NYSEG Ready to Respond to Halloween Storm

Heavy rain and wind gusts expected to impact NYSEG service area Thursday into Saturday

Additional 200 crews are ready to expedite restoration efforts


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — October 29, 2025, 1:30 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) has prepared and is ready for heavy rains and wind gusts that are expected to impact most of New York State beginning Thursday and continuing into Saturday. As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions. 

This storm is expected to have the most impact in the Company’s Brewster, Oneonta, Mechanicville, and Plattsburgh divisions. These include Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, Ulster, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Washington, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, and St. Lawrence Counties. NYSEG is utilizing an additional 200 line crews across the state and pre-staging in areas expected to be most affected. 

The current forecast shows a low-pressure system tracking up the Appalachians and through New York, bringing areas of heavy rain and gusty winds Thursday into Saturday. Rain is expected begin Wednesday night and into Thursday, then taper off for many areas Thursday night into Friday. Rainfall is estimated between 1.5 and 2.5 inches in some areas. Sustained winds are expected at approximately 15-25 miles per hour, with gusts peaking as high as 45 miles per hour. 

The company’s storm readiness team has 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.

Company Preparations

Readying Crews

In preparation for the event, the company has pre-staged additional line and tree personnel 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.

Equipment Summary
The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any rain and wind-related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks, and backhoes.

How to Stay Up to Date
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 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 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.” 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.
  • 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
  • Instagram: @nyseg.co

Media Contact:
Michael Baggerman
mbaggerman@nyseg.com
716.368.1284