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As of 7 a.m. Thursday, approximately 37,000 customers remained without electric service in more than 425 individual damage locations, following a damaging storm that brought severe winds to the region, hitting hardest in the southern portion of Central Hudson’s service area.
Remaining power outages in the most heavily impacted areas are 9,700 in Dutchess County, 24,000 in Orange County, 1,500 in Ulster County and 1,600 in Putnam County.
The National Weather Service confirmed the presence of tornadoes in the region on Tuesday, in Saugerties, Newburgh and in two areas of Putnam County. A damaging macroburst was also confirmed to have impacted southern Dutchess County on Tuesday, cutting a path approximately 3 miles wide and 8 miles long with wind speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.
“The amount of tree damage remains a concern, as substantial work remains to restore electric service to all our customers impacted by the storm,” said Charles A. Freni, Central Hudson's Senior Vice President of Customer Services and Transmission & Distribution. “Repairs will begin to restore service to fewer and fewer customers, as we work in neighborhoods and along individual streets.”
Homeowners whose electric service lines were separated from their house are advised to seek guidance from a professional electrical contractor, as repairs to their home may be required before Central Hudson can re-attach the line.
Central Hudson expects power to be restored to the vast majority of customers by Friday night, with work in pockets within some of the hardest-hit areas continuing through the weekend. Estimated restoration for individual cases will be posted as the information becomes available. Be advised that estimated restoration times will change as crews uncover additional damage while repairs are made.
Nearly 470 electric line workers and nearly 180 tree trimmers are at work today to restore electric service, clear roads and respond to emergencies. Mutual aid crews have arrived from as far away as Niagara Falls, Vermont and Michigan.
Central Hudson is distributing dry ice and bottled water today at the following locations, beginning at the noted times through 5 p.m. Thursday or when supplies run out:
Dutchess County
10:30 a.m. East Fishkill Town Hall
330 Route 376, Hopewell Junction
11 a.m. Fishkill Town Hall
807 Route 52, Fishkill
Putnam County
11:30 a.m. Phillipstown Rec Center
107 Glenclyffe Road, Garrison
Orange County
11 a.m. Middle Hope Fire House
5172 Route 9W, Newburgh
11:30 a.m. Newburgh Armory
321 S. William St., Newburgh
Noon Cornwall Town Hall
183 Main St., Cornwall
“We remain appreciative of the assistance provided by our municipal and county emergency responders, highway departments and elected leadership in responding to this emergency,” said Freni.
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