In the wake of a powerful windstorm, National Grid has mobilized a dedicated team of over 2,300 professionals to work on restoring electricity in Upstate New York. This severe weather event resulted in wind gusts surpassing 50 miles per hour, which led to widespread disruption, affecting nearly 66,000 customers in the region.
As of 3 p.m. on Friday, significant progress has been made, with power restored to more than 54,000 households. Kyle Bentley, who serves as the Vice President of New York Electric Operations for National Grid, emphasized the commitment of the team, stating, "Our crews are in the field working around the clock to repair damage and bring our systems back online."
The restoration efforts prioritize addressing the most urgent issues, such as removing live, downed power lines and repairing major transmission facilities that are crucial for bringing power back to affected areas. Customers are encouraged to report any outages via the National Grid website, which can expedite the restoration process.
When using generators, it is essential to operate them outdoors to avoid dangerous carbon monoxide accumulation indoors. For customers who rely on life support equipment, it’s vital to register with National Grid to ensure they receive timely assistance.
It’s important to note that all downed power lines should be treated as if they are live. National Grid advises everyone to stay clear of these lines, as well as anything they might be touching. Additionally, since water conducts electricity, keep away from puddles near downed lines to ensure safety.
For ongoing updates and safety information, customers can stay connected through National Grid’s Outage Central website or by using their mobile app.
For those interested in related stories and updates, links to storm coverage and National Grid news can be found at WNYT.
