O&R Obtains 100 Mutual Aid Workers for Monday Morning Mobilization to Repair Expected High Wind Damage

Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) has acquired 100 additional overhead line contractors in preparation for a Monday morning mobilization of the company’s emergency response crews. Those contractors nearly double the size of O&R’s overhead line workforce.

On Monday, O&R company and contractor overhead line crews and tree removal experts, customer service operators and the other O&R emergency response personnel will be activated and deployed to repair potential damage and restore possible power outages that could result from severe winds gusting as high as 45-55 mph Sunday night through the day on Monday.

On Saturday, moderate to heavy rains are expected to roll through the region beginning at about 7 p.m. today, wrapping up about 2 a.m. Sunday. Total rainfall expected is about 0.5 – 2.0 inches. High winds, gusting as high as 35 mph, are expected to accompany those heavy rains. O&R will increase normal crewing to meet the demands of that event both Saturday and Sunday night.

For safety’s sake, O&R warns the public not to touch or approach any downed wire. Assume the wire is energized and dangerous. Call O&R immediately toll-free 1-877-434-4100. Depending on the situation, you may also consider calling your local police to divert traffic from the downed wire’s location until an O&R crew arrives.