About 12,000 Central Hudson customers were without power this afternoon as wind gusts over 40mph were being recorded. Most of the power outages are in Dutchess and Ulster counties as trees limbs and in some cases whole trees were falling across power lines cutting electric service.
At one point the Dutchess SPCA in Hyde Park got knocked off the grid leading volunteers to rush in with blankets to help keep the shelter pets warm. Power was restored there at about 4pm.
Central Hudson crews have deployed around the region and are restoring power as quickly as possible. The winds are expected to diminish after dark perhaps limiting the damage.
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)