POUGHKEEPSIE – Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. is advising residents to prepare for wintry conditions that could bring snow, sleet and freezing rain to the Mid-Hudson Valley on Monday night into Tuesday. These conditions have the potential to cause service interruptions in the region, especially in Orange County and southern portions of the area.
The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for Orange County until Tuesday afternoon while Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties are under Winter Weather Advisories.
“We are closely monitoring the incoming weather system and have a full complement of crews as well as our core contractors ready to respond if power outages occur,” said Ryan Hawthorne, vice president of Electric Engineering and Operations at Central Hudson. “Our customers, too, are also advised to take precautions. Icing can damage trees and cause limbs to break and fall, bringing down power lines and causing outages and hazardous conditions.”
The current forecast is calling for a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain to move into the area on Monday night. Higher snow totals are expected in the northern and western parts of the Mid-Hudson Valley while ice accumulations of up to a quarter of an inch are possible further to the south. Visit Hudson Valley Weather for the latest forecast information, or follow them on Facebook.
Hawthorne reminded customers that all electric line crews and support staff are practicing social distancing in an effort to keep employees and communities safe.
Residents are also advised to stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and remember that lines may be entangled and hidden in fallen trees and limbs. Residents should also assume all downed lines are live.
Customers can prepare for the storm and potential electric service interruptions by:
- Paying attention to weather advisories, storm outage updates and/or shelter information;
- Charging electronic devices in order to connect with Storm Central;
- Keeping handy a flashlight and fresh batteries;
- Having a battery-powered radio to remain informed of restoration efforts;
- Confirming adequate packaged or canned foods that require no refrigeration or cooking;
- Avoiding opening a refrigerator unnecessarily during outages, so that food lasts longer;
- Having a non-electric can opener;
- Keeping an emergency supply of bottled water on hand for drinking and washing; and
- Filling bathtubs with water as added reserves.
Residents are advised to keep safety in mind, particularly during power interruptions:
- Never use outdoor gas or charcoal grills indoors, as they pose a fire hazard and over time can give off carbon monoxide gas;
- Beware of fallen trees and limbs, and use caution when traveling;
- Avoid the use of candles for illumination due to fire hazards;
- Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions on the use of emergency generators, and be sure to shut off the main breaker when in use and operate the units outdoors;
- Operate cars and motor vehicles outdoors only, and never inside the garage; and
- Avoid travel along roadways as hazardous conditions may cause driving accidents, including those involving utility poles which may cause power interruptions.
