Preparations Ramp Up As Expected Storm Draws Near

O&R is ramping up its company-wide emergency response group to repair damage and restore electric service interruptions that could possibly result from severe thunderstorms that are expected to rumble through the region late Monday afternoon and into the evening.

Monday will see a few spotty showers or isolated thunderstorms in the morning before skies turn partly cloudy for the afternoon. A cold front will move through Monday night, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms between about 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. A few storms may become severe during this time frame, the worst expected between about 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. By definition, severe thunderstorms could contain wind gusts higher than 57 mph, hail larger than one inch in diameter or possibly tornadoes.

O&R’s company and contractor overhead line crews and its tree removal experts are preparing to mobilize at 4 p.m. Monday. Customer service operations and the wide array of O&R teams that support those functions also will be deployed then.

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