Photo: THOMAS SAMSON / AFP / Getty Images
National Grid is distributing bottled water today (Wednesday, March 18) to customers in Warren County affected by recent power outages caused by a severe windstorm. The distribution is taking place from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Chestertown Pottersville Volunteer Fire Company on Valley Farm Road and the Queensbury West Glens Falls Fire Company on Luzerne Road.
The windstorm, which brought gusts exceeding 70 mph, has left more than 145,000 people without power across Upstate New York. As of Tuesday afternoon, National Grid had restored service to over 112,000 customers, but many remain without electricity. The hardest-hit counties include Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Warren.
National Grid has deployed nearly 3,300 specialists to assess damage and restore power. Crews from several states and Canadian provinces have joined the effort. Tom Gozelski, National Grid Lead Director of New York Electric Operations, emphasized the company's focus on restoring power safely and quickly. He urged customers to drive cautiously near work sites and adhere to road closures.
In addition to bottled water, dry ice is being distributed to help with refrigeration. Residents are advised to bring coolers or paper grocery bags for transportation. The company has warned that restoration times may fluctuate due to ongoing weather conditions and further outages.
For updates, customers can check National Grid's Outage Map and follow their Twitter and Facebook accounts. Additional distribution sites may be announced based on community needs.