A powerful storm system is set to impact New York, bringing with it a dangerous mix of heavy snow, rain, sleet, and strong winds leading to gusts potentially topping 50 and 60 mph in some areas. National Grid has reported that gusts could reach as high as 70 mph in parts of Upstate New York from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning.
Utility companies NYSEG and RG&E are forecasting moderate icing in eastern regions during the transition from Sunday evening into Monday morning, as the hazardous winds are expected to persist into Tuesday. Significant lake-effect snow is also likely to occur in parts of Western and Central New York, further complicating travel and safety conditions.
In response to the impending storm, both NYSEG and RG&E initiated preparations several days in advance, staging 170 additional contract line crews across the state. This includes 80 crews in the Lancaster division and 50 in the Rochester area. Their efforts are focused on promptly restoring power in the event of outages, particularly as many residents get ready to celebrate the New Year this week. Kyle Bentley, vice president for electric operations at National Grid New York, emphasized the company’s commitment to deploying crews safely and efficiently.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about localized outages and safety updates. RG&E recommends customers sign up for My Account outage alerts, which provide notifications via text, email, or voice messages. Similarly, National Grid customers can receive personalized alerts by texting “REG” to 64743 and report outages by texting “OUT” to the same number.
As safety is a priority during this storm, utility companies have advised customers to keep essential supplies such as flashlights, drinking water, and non-perishable food readily available. They also recommend charging devices and maintaining a full gas tank in vehicles. Residents should adhere to safety protocols, including staying clear of downed power lines and utilizing flashlights instead of candles during outages.
Moreover, individuals who rely on electrically powered life-sustaining equipment are encouraged to enroll in special programs with their utility providers to receive updates during prolonged outages.
As the storm approaches, it’s crucial for New Yorkers to remain vigilant and prepared. Staying informed and taking necessary precautions will help ensure the safety of communities during this challenging weather event.