National Grid updates customers as another storm expected

3 min read
National Grid shared the following information with customers Friday afternoon as another winter storm is expected over the weekend.

“As we restore the final remaining customer outages following this week’s wind and snow storms today, we’re also prepared for another round of winter weather this weekend. Forecasts call for impacts to many of the same areas affected earlier this week, bringing a wintry mix of rain, snow, sleet and high winds into the region on Friday evening. The system has the potential to bring 8 to 16 inches of snow in some locations, and wind gusts could reach 60 mph. In all, our crews have restored power to more than 202,500 customers across upstate after this week’s series of storms, and more than 4,300 field-based personnel remain prepositioned and ready to respond across the state throughout the weekend and into next week.

More than 200 poles have been replaced, a labor-intensive process that can take one crew with specialized equipment up to six hours to replace a single pole. Dozens of transformers and other equipment have also been repaired or replaced following significant damage to power lines and substations from intense winds.After the damage this week, weakened trees and limbs that did not fall may be more susceptible to the second round of wind and snow expected this weekend. Our crews and field force are ready to respond to any additional damage.We are also continuing to coordinate planning and preparedness with key partners such as state and county emergency management agencies, municipalities, and police, fire, and elected officials.To learn more about how we prepare for storms, click this video link:
National Grid: Storm Planning and Preparation – YouTube
Stay safe before, during and after the storm. Please keep safety a priority with the following reminders.
Electric Safety
Before a storm hits, ensure you are prepared. Keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand and make sure mobile devices are fully charged so you can stay connected in the event of an outage. For more visit ngrid.com/outagecentral. If you see a downed power line, keep away from it and anything it may be in contact with. Downed lines should be immediately reported by calling National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or 911.

Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.

Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should contact us at 1-800-642-4272 for information on requesting designation as a life support customer. In a medical emergency, always dial 911.If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.
Gas Safety
If you suspect a natural gas leak:
Get Out – All occupants should leave the house or building immediately.
Please do not use the telephone or light switches for any reason. Call – After leaving the house or building and reaching a safe environment, call 911 or our 24-hour gas emergency number: 1-800-892-2345. Stay Out – Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.
Stay Connected
To receive outage alerts by text message*, text REG to 64743.
Once registered, text OUT to 64743 to report an outage or STAT to check the status of your outage.

*Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel.Use your mobile device to track outage information and storm-related safety tips through National Grid’s mobile site, accessible at ngrid.com/mobile . Outages can also be reported online or by calling 1-800-867-5222.To find safety information, report and check the status of outages, view storm updates and access outage maps, visit us at ngrid.com/outagecentral. Friend us on Facebook or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) to see the latest updates.: