LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Nearly 11 hours after original estimates for the lights to come back to the south of Livingston County, over 1,000 customers are still without power.
According to New York State Gas and Electric (NYSEG’s) power outage map, 1,411 customers in the towns of West Sparta, Ossian, Dansville, North Dansville and Mount Morris are still without power.
Some affected Livingston County residents say that their power returned intermittently but did not stay in through the night.
Original estimates were that the power would return by 9:15 p.m. Dec. 26.
As of 8:30 a.m. Dec. 27, the power is still out. NYSEG says that they have crews assigned to the outage and are investigating the cause.
Predictions now are that power should be restored by 10:30 a.m.
The National Weather Service says that the temperature in Dansville is 4 degrees Fahrenheit with a windchill of -6. A windchill advisory goes into effect for the entire county starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Accuweather.com provides the following safety tips for homeowners dealing with long-term power outages in winter:
If the power goes out in a winter weather event, temperatures can drop significantly. Make sure to keep all doors to the outside shut. Use towels to block drafts coming in from window and door cracks.
It’s also possible to insulate windows with black blankets. The black draws heat from the sun. If the sun’s beams are coming through the window, put the blankets on the floor where the sun is directly shining instead.
Running a bathtub of hot water also draws in heat to the house.
Turning faucets to a trickle helps prevent pipes from freezing. If needed, wrap pipes in insulation or newspaper. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supply kit in your vehicle. Do not travel alone and let someone know where you are going and your expected arrival time.
Don’t rely on gas stoves, charcoal grills or other open-flame heat sources. Deadly carbon monoxide gas – which is odorless and invisible – may build up in your home.
Continue to follow the GeneseeSun.com as further information becomes available.
(Map data via NYSEG)