POUGHKEPSIE – Central Hudson Gas & Electric crews are continuing restoration efforts after Winter Storm Landon brought ice accretions that exceeded forecast models caused service interruptions, primarily in Ulster County. Nearly 400,000 outages are reported from Texas to Maine as a result of the storm. Locally, as of 3p.m. on Friday, Central Hudson has restored power to approximately 6,100 homes and businesses. Nearly 50,550 are currently without power.
- Dutchess County: 620
- Greene County: 40
- Orange County: 3,320
- Ulster County: 46,400
Wintry weather is expected to exit the area this afternoon and restoration activities will continue into the night. Repair efforts will continue today and tonight, with most restorations taking place on Saturday and Sunday.
“This ice storm has caused significant damage in Ulster County and, as such, the majority of our field force of 680 line and tree workers that includes mutual aid from Indiana, Pennsylvania and Upstate New York, will be concentrated there,” said Ryan Hawthorne, vice president of Electric Engineering and Operations. “Once the weather system has passed, we expect that additional outages will diminish and working conditions for field crews will improve. We understand electrical service is critical this time of year and we’re working to get power and heating systems back online as safely and efficiently as possible. We’d also like to thank our municipal leaders and first responders for their assistance in these efforts.”
Central Hudson will distribute a limited amount of dry ice and bottled water on Friday at the Hudson Valley Mall on Route 9W in the Town of Ulster starting at 7 p.m. Customers should exercise extra caution in traveling this evening as road conditions will be hazardous. Additional dry ice will be available on Saturday, and distribution locations will be announced then. Alternatively, in the winter perishable foods can be preserved by being placed in coolers, and the cooler placed outdoors in a protected and secure location.
Weather forecasts call for falling temperatures, with frigid conditions expected overnight and on Saturday. Extreme cold poses an added risk to our most vulnerable customers. Central Hudson continues to partner with our local officials and first responders in order to ensure our elderly and infirm customers remain safe. Residents are reminded to check in on their neighbors as well. Also, as cold temperatures can pose a risk to plumbing, residents may wish to consider allowing faucets to drip and/or opening faucets.
