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Companies prepare as forecasts call for potential of severe wind gusts
NYSEG and RG&E, subsidiaries of AVANGRID Inc., are preparing for the potential of high winds and light snow impacting regions of their service areas Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday morning. The storm is expected to impact most of the NYSEG and RG&E footprint, which includes the Western New York, Rochester, Southern Tier, Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Westchester regions. The Plattsburgh area is expected to be spared from high wind gusts, but may see 2-3 inches of snow.
Current forecasts call for potential winds to begin around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, with peak gusts of close to 60 mph possible in the western portions of the state during the 3-9 p.m. time period. In the east, forecasts indicate winds will begin Wednesday evening with peak gusts of 45-55 mph possible during the 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. timeframe. By late-morning Thursday, winds are expected to exit the state.
The forecasted conditions have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment.
To prepare for the anticipated weather, the companies’ storm readiness teams have been monitoring weather forecasts, planning, readying crews and equipment, and have additional contract tree and line crews ready to help restore service should outages occur. The companies are also coordinating preparations with state and local emergency management authorities.
NYSEG and RG&E will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their 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:
Stay Away from Downed Wires
During a Power Interruption
Power Restoration Priorities
The companies’ first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the company will:
For additional information, including storm preparation tips, storm safety information, generator safety information, restoration priorities and emergency resources, visit “Outage Central” at www.NYSEG.com or www.RGE.com and on the company’s social media pages: