More than 50 thousand Central Hudson customers were knocked of the grid this morning as high winds and heavy wet snow brought down trees and powerlines all around the Mid-Hudson. At one point more than 24 thousand customers in Ulster County were without power along with more than 11 thousand in Dutchess County. Restoration times were uncertain for many communities.
Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison is urging residents to avoid travel if at all possible. The Mayor says city crews have already responded to numerous reports of downed limbs.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to deal with the nor’easter now impacting much of the state. He says senior administration officials have been deployed to regional emergency centers around the state. The governor says state resources are being made available to deal with possible flooding and power outages. Equipment is being staged to help in the Catskills where up to two feet of snow could fall.
The Governor says anyone needing help with power outage related problems can call The Department of Public Service Call Center Helpline at 1-800-342-3377.
Photo: Tree down at the intersection of Hooker Avenue and S. Cherry Street, Poughkeepsie. Photo courtesy of Lori Rolison.