NYSEG Preparing for Potential Impacts of Winter Storm - 12 pm

Company is pre-staging crews in Lancaster and Lockport

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — November 16, 2022, 12 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is preparing for snowfall associated with the winter storm expected to impact their Western New York service area tomorrow evening through Sunday. The storm is expected to have impacts on NYSEG’s Lancaster and Lockport divisions, which includes parts of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions. 

Current forecasts call for heavy, wet snow in the Lancaster and Lockport areas with wind gusts between 20 and 25 mph. The storm is expected to exit the state by Sunday evening. 

NYSEG urges customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions, as heavy snow and strong winds have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment.


Readying Crews

In preparation for the event, the companies are pre-staging line and tree crews to Western New York to assist with restoration efforts. Additionally, the companies have mobilized damage assessors and wire guards. Company and contractor crews will be onsite and prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response should outages occur.


Equipment Summary

The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any wind or rain related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks and backhoes.


How to Stay Up to Date 

NYSEG will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Customers should also sign up for Outage Alerts and download the NYSEG Mobile App to get the most up-to-date information. 


Safety Tips


Before a Storm Strikes

  • Use our new mobile app to report and check the status of outages. To download the application, customers should search “AVANGRID” in the Apple or Android app stores and select “NYSEG.” The application is free to download.
  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the companies update the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG.
  • Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
  • Make sure that smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are fully charged.
  • Fill your car’s fuel tank.


Stay Away From Downed Wires

  • Stay at least 30 feet from a downed power line.
  • If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle to avoid any contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and hop with feet together or shuffle away; don’t run or stride.
  • NYSEG customers should call 800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.


Winter Safety

  • Keep electric and gas meters and regulators clear of snow and ice by using a broom or by hand – not a shovel.
  • Snow should not be pushed or piled around electric or natural gas meters.
  • Beware of exhaust getting trapped by snow around an appliance sidewall outside vent from a natural gas appliance. All equipment outside vents should be kept clear of snow and ice.


During a Power Interruption

  • Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. A loss of power may be the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
  • To report a power interruption, use our Mobile App, visit nyseg.com/outages, or contact NYSEG at 800.572.1131.
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.


Power Restoration Priorities

The companies’ first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. NYSEG customers are asked to call 800.572.1131 to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the companies will:

  • Assess the damage to the electricity delivery system. 
  • Develop a detailed restoration plan.
  • Make repairs as quickly as possible.


For additional information, including storm preparation tips, storm safety information, generator safety information, restoration priorities and emergency resources, visit Outage Central at NYSEG.com and on the companies’ social media pages:

  • Facebook: @NYSEandG 
  • Twitter: @NYSEandG 

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