NYSEG and RG&E preparing for potential high winds

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:

• 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 and here for RG&E.
• Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and nonperishable 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 and RGE customers should call 1-800-743-1701 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 or RG&E at 1-800-743-1701.
• 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. 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 www.NYSEG.com or www.RGE.com and on the company’s social media pages:

• Facebook: @NYSEandG
• Twitter: @NYSEandG
• Facebook: @RochGandE
• Twitter: @RGandE