Snowfall Update and Power Issues Ahead Of Tomorrow’s Storm
I was almost afraid to read the forecast on the air today. Especially the part about potential wind gusts up to 30 MPH tomorrow afternoon and evening which could cause scattered power outages. Did I mention that the National Weather Service has also upped the snowfall totals?
Here's what we know at this point. According to the National Weather Service, we have a Winter Storm Warning from 7 am tomorrow through 7 am on Thursday. Snowfall accumulations could be 12 to 18 inches with locally heavier amounts up to 24 inches. During the afternoon tomorrow, snow could fall at the rate of 1 to 3 inches an hour, making travel extremely difficult, especially for the evening commute.
You may be asking what about the clean-up from last Friday's storm? Does everyone have their power back before this next storm hits? According to Central Hudson, 99% of customers affected by last weeks' storm have had their power restored, about 1,300 are still without power. They expect to have those folks back up by tonight and will work tomorrow as well if needed on those restorations.
Central Hudson is urging anyone still without power to let Central Hudson know either through text message, online or with their mobile app. You can also call 845-452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714 and use the automated system.
In addition, the crews from outside our area who have come to help cut trees and restore power these past few days will stay in the Hudson Valley for this storm tomorrow to help, if need be, to get people back up and running as soon as possible. Central Hudson has a field force of 550 electric line and tree trimming personnel ready to respond to any new power outages.
Be safe tomorrow and if you don't have to go out, please stay home. We'll keep you company throughout the day.