Storm Watch - O&R Crew Ramp Up as Thunderstorms, High Wind Gusts Due Wednesday

Orange & Rockland (O&R) is preparing its emergency response team for deployment to repair damage and restore electric service outages that could result from thunderstorms and strong gusty winds that are expected to rip through O&R’s service area Wednesday afternoon into the evening, with the gusty winds continuing overnight and through the day Thursday.

O&R company and contractor overhead line crews and tree removal experts are ramping up to mobilize as are site safety, customer service operations and the wide array of O&R teams that support those functions. The predicted thunderstorms, possibly severe at times, and high, gusty winds could damage trees, utility poles, and overhead electric wires, causing power outages.

Be Safe

O&R urges its customers to stay clear of downed electric wires. Don’t go near any downed wire. Assume it is energized and dangerous. Call O&R immediately toll-free at 1-877-434-4100. If the situation requires urgent action, call your local police to divert traffic until an O&R crew arrives.

A strong cold front is expected to enter the area Wednesday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., bringing with it a line of moderate to heavy rain, with thunderstorms likely. There is an isolated chance that some of these storms could become severe during this period.

Any rain or storms are due to end from west to east following the passage of the cold front.  Behind the front, gusty winds will take shape across the area as much cooler air filters in. Sustained winds are predicted 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 35 to 45 mph Wednesday from 6 p.m. through 5 p.m. Thursday. Skies will clear by early Friday and winds will slowly diminish by evening.