New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are preparing for a winter storm expected to impact much of their service areas over the Thanksgiving holiday. Forecasts call for strong winds and lake effect snow beginning Wednesday evening and continuing through Saturday, with potential power disruptions for customers.
The storm is expected to affect all service divisions, with the most significant outages anticipated in NYSEG’s Lancaster, Lockport, Elmira, Geneva, Auburn, and Hornell divisions, as well as all RG&E divisions. These areas include Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, Yates, Onondaga, Cayuga, Allegany, and Wyoming Counties.
Winter storm watches have been issued for some areas downwind of Lake Erie. Winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph, may create blowing snow and hazardous conditions. Snow and wind may bring down trees and power lines, affecting electricity service. Travelers are encouraged to allow extra time, monitor local forecasts, and plan accordingly.
Company Preparations
Readying Crews
NYSEG and RG&E have more than 1,700 line and tree personnel ready, including 130 additional crews brought in specifically for this storm. Crews are prepared to respond quickly to outages across the state.
Equipment
Crews will have bucket trucks, auger trucks, woodchippers, dump trucks, and backhoes on hand to address weather-related damage efficiently.
How to Stay Informed
Customers can track updates and report outages through:
- The NYSEG and RG&E websites
- Social media channels (Facebook and Twitter)
- Mobile apps (search “Avangrid” in the Apple or Android app stores and select “NYSEG” or “RG&E”)
- Outage alerts via phone, text, or email
Safety Tips
Before the Storm
- Charge mobile devices and keep battery-operated flashlights and radios ready.
- Stock drinking water and non-perishable food.
- Fill your car’s fuel tank.
Stay Away from Downed Wires
- Keep at least 30 feet away from downed lines.
- If a wire contacts your vehicle, remain inside; if you must exit, jump clear with feet together and shuffle away.
- Report downed lines: NYSEG 1.800.572.1131 | RG&E 1.800.743.1701
During a Power Interruption
- Check with neighbors to see if the outage is widespread.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed; most food will last 24 hours if doors remain closed.
- Report outages: NYSEG 1.800.572.1131 | RG&E 1.800.743.1701
Power Restoration Priorities
- Respond immediately to reports of downed power lines to ensure public safety.
- Assess damage to the electricity delivery system.
- Develop a detailed restoration plan.
- Make repairs as quickly as possible.
NYSEG and RG&E crews are closely monitoring the storm and are prepared to respond around the clock to keep customers safe and restore power as efficiently as possible
