ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Severe winds caused power outages for over 40,000 RGE customers in the region Saturday. Monroe County has since lifted a travel advisory, but still urge motorists to be cautious.
High Wind Warnings were in effect for much of the region for gusts expected to peak between 60-70 mph. According to the National Weather Service, Batavia recorded a peak wind speed of 74 mph.
As of 10 p.m. Saturday, 38,257 Rochester Gas and Electric customers had lost power due to high winds. According to RGE, most of the outages were west of the Genesee — areas like Chili, Gates and Greece.
New York Weather Authority was reporting that North Chili was affected the worst. The area did have over 3,000 residencies without power.
To view a live map of electricity outages in Rochester, use the RGE company website here.
At 10 p.m. Sunday, RGE reported that 12,452 residencies are still without power in Rochester.
Several miles away from downtown, the Town of LeRoy experienced a large battering from the winds. It’s residents saw a lot of structural damage, and some to their property.
RGE had 1,800 line and tree crews ready to tackle damages this weekend across the state. National Grid had around 2,500 field force members across upstate New York as well.
David Bertola with the National Grid says you can never predict how many outages are likely to occur — but you can be prepared.
“Make sure you have fresrh batteries, flashlights, phone charged ready to go,” Bertola said. If you see a down power line always assume its carrying live power never touch it you could always dial 911. If you are operating a generator make sure its operated outdoors to prevent build up carbon monoxide. Before operating make sure to disconnect the main breaker located in the basement”
Authorities are asking drivers to treat malfunctioning traffic lights as 4-way stops.
Mayor James Smith announced that the city will offer temporary warming shelters for residents without heat after yesterday’s wind storm.
“We want to be sure that everyone who needs a place to keep warm during a power outage has somewhere to go,” Mayor Smith said. “The warming centers are one way we can help individuals and families cope with severe weather conditions and we will extend the hours at these centers as needed.”
Warming shelters are in place at Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex on 131 Elmwood Avenue until 6 p.m. and at the David F. Gantt R-Center which will be open throughout the night for residents who have lost heat from the electricity outages.
Food will also be available to those in need of a meal.
The Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex will reopen at 8:00 a.m. and the Jackson R-Center will reopen at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Check back with News 8 WROC as we will continue to update this developing story.
