National Grid Brings In Extra Utility Workers With Power Outages Expected
MELVILLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Strong winds are expected to have the biggest impact when the nor'easter hits Long Island later Wednesday.
AccuWeather has issued a wind advisory for all of Long Island until 6 p.m. Thursday.
During that time, winds of 20 to 30 mph are forecast, with gusts blowing up to 50 mph.
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In anticipation of power outages, National Grid has already beefed up its response to the impending nor'easter.
"We've brought in some foreign crews from out of state as well as prepared our crews. And also, we have some on-island contractors. So we have over 400 field workers that are here on the island," National Grid spokesperson Wendy Ladd told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall on Wednesday afternoon.
National Grid Brings In Extra Utility Workers With Power Outages Expected
Crews from Connecticut and Pennsylvania are already on Long Island to assist with the anticipated power outages once the nor'easter hits, Ladd said.
The gusts could bring down trees and power lines, knocking out power to homes and businesses.
"We do not expect to have long duration of outages and we do have a good workforce on the island. We do expect outages to be going through Wednesday through until Friday since this storm is going to last over two days," she said.
National Grid Brings In Extra Utility Workers With Power Outages Expected
Power trucks and crews are stationed at National Grid's Melville hub and will work through the storm to restore power, said Ladd.
"The biggest concern for us really is the high winds and we do expect to have some power lines down with these high gusts," she added.
During the recent blizzard, National Grid crews were able to get power restored for most customers within 24 hours and the goal is to be as quick this time, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported.
As of 4 p.m., LIPA reported about 350 power outages.
A winter weather advisory is also in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 p.m. Thursday for areas including western and central Long Island.
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