POUGHKEEPSIE – Strong wind gusts of up to 60 mph continue to bring trees and limbs down onto power lines, causing widespread electric service interruptions throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley. As of 1:30 p.m. today, nearly 490 damage locations are reported and more than 29,000 customers of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation are without electric service, the majority of which are located in southeastern Dutchess County and Orange County.
“More than 300 electric line and tree clearing personnel are working to repair power outages, together with hundreds of support staff to deliver needed supplies, assess damage, guard downed wires and provide additional services,” said Ryan Hawthorne, assistant vice president of Electric Engineering and Operations at Central Hudson. “Although power restorations are taking place throughout the day, new power outages are being reported as windy conditions continue. Once the winds subside, we expect that service restorations will likely take place over multiple days, depending on the extent of the storm damage.
“For the safety of the public and utility personnel, we are following CDC guidelines,” said Hawthorne. “Our electric line crews and support staff are practicing social distancing when addressing emergencies, and we will be staging crews to avoid clustering of personnel,” he said. “In this current environment, we realize many residents are at home and dependent on electric service for common household uses and to stay connected. We remain committed to restoring power as quickly and safely as possible under these circumstances.”
Hawthorne said that the utility is attempting to secure assistance from outside the area, however severe weather conditions are impacting a large, widespread region of the country, and other utility companies are utilizing their own crews to address power interruptions within their respective areas. “We are using every means to secure additional resources as they become available,” he said.
Hawthorne said the utility is also monitoring weather forecasts and is working to maintain electric service to critical facilities such as hospitals and clinics to the extent possible.
Hawthorne stressed that residents should stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines, and to remember that lines may be entangled and hidden in fallen trees and limbs. “Assume all downed lines are live, and keep a wide distance from fallen trees and limbs,” he said. As many families and children are home, Hawthorne urged residents to watch for and keep themselves, families and neighbors away from these hazards. Motorists should also be aware of the potential for downed limbs and power lines that may block roadways, and should never attempt to drive over or around downed power lines.
