Power restored to 75% of Central Hudson customers following storm damage

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Roughly 75% of Central Hudson customers' power was restored following Tropical Storm Debby's impacts on Saturday morning. Heavy rain and powerful winds affected nearly 20,000 customers, and as of 8 a.m., 4,400 customers in Dutchess, Greene, and Ulster County are waiting for power to be restored.

Central Hudson distributes dry ice and bottled water at the Home Depot on Route 9 in Fishkill and Topps Friendly Market on Main Street in Tannersville for customers without power. Central Hudson said 1,250 customers in Dutchess County, 1,600 in Greene County, and 900 in Ulster County are waiting on the restoration of power.

Vice President of Electric Engineering and Operations at Central Hudson Ryan Hawthorne said crews worked overnight on downed powerlines, but more than 200 damaged locations remain. "We have added another 85 mutual assistance workers to bring our field force to well over 400 line and line clearance workers to help restore power as quickly as possible," Hawthorne said.

Restoration estimates

• Albany County: Saturday, August 10, 4 p.m.
• Columbia County: 95% of customers restored
• Dutchess County: Saturday, August 10, 10 p.m.
• Greene County: Saturday, August 10, 10 p.m.
• Orange County: 95% of customers restored
• Putnam County: Saturday, August 10, 8 p.m.
• Ulster County: Saturday, August 10, 6 p.m.

Customers should also be vigilant about possible natural gas line breaks because of flooding. Anyone who smells gas should call the Central Hudson gas odor hotline at (800) 942-8274 or 911 and refrain from turning lights on and off, a cell phone or telephone, turning on any electric appliances or devices, and flushing or running water.