Crews continue to restore power after wind storm

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January 12, 2008

By ALVIN REINER The Press Republican Sat Jan 12, 2008, 08:50 AM EST

ELIZABETHTOWN -- Although the wind rushed through the area as fast as a runaway freight train, the cleanup in its aftermath has been taking somewhat longer.

As of 10 a.m. Friday, Supervisor Rick Nolan of Black Brook indicated all roads were open except for the Golf Course Road as they were waiting for National Grid to work on a power line.

Ten additional crews from National Grid have been working, but there were still 350 to 400 homes without electrical service. "I'm in the dark myself and really hope the power is back on soon," Nolan said.

Although still in a state of emergency, Nolan was hoping the order would be rescinded by Friday afternoon.

In the other most affected area, the Town of Jay, things have been getting better, although at mid-morning Friday approximately 85 residences in the Glen Road area were still without power.

Supervisor Randy Douglas said many have availed themselves of the shelter set up in the town building in AuSable Forks. They have come in for meals, warmth and water. There is a boil-water proclamation in effect until further notice.

Thursday evening, while Douglas, Department of Public Works Director Chris Garrow and Jay Emergency Service Coordinator Dan Deyo were surveying conditions, as well as informing residents of the services available at the shelter, they had to respond to a fire in AuSable Acres. Thus, the local fire departments had an additional task.

"I want to thank everyone from both counties (Essex and Clinton), the fire departments, office staff, road crews, NYSEG and everyone else. They have all been tremendous and continue to be so. My main objective is to keep the people safe," Douglas said.

It might be called a baptism under fire for newly elected Lewis town Supervisor David Blades. Approximately 660 residents were still without power Friday afternoon. New York State Electric and Gas had restored some power on Thursday, but had to shut it down again to make repairs.

"People had thought the problem had been resolved and many helpers such as fire personnel had left. Now we have limited people to make the rounds in the outlying areas," Blades said. "I am appreciative of what the fire department has done. Ray Thatcher (Essex County Emergency Services director) has been a Godsend in helping us get through the red tape."

As far as his initiation, Blades noted, "My predecessor (Tony Glebus) had just started when the Ice Storm hit 10 years ago, so maybe it's not a good idea to be elected supervisor in Lewis."

While some have power, depending on which side of the road they live on, 15 residences of the hamlet of New Russia had been without water until early Friday afternoon, as the well site is on a different line than that of the homes.

Lake Placid motels have seen an increase in room rentals from North Country residents affected by the storm. The Comfort Inn's general manager, Nicole Patterson, said the motel rented six rooms to those without power from the Onchiota and Keene areas.

NYSEG crews have been making "significant progress," according to a news release issued Friday morning. At that time, approximately 835 customers in the Plattsburgh Division, which includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties, were still without electrical service.

However, a later release said: "NYSEG has been responding to new power interruptions caused by rain, snow and windy conditions that have affected approximately 2,000 customers, while continuing to repair damage to its electricity system from Wednesday's fierce winds.

"As of 4 p.m., 1,200 customers remain without power."

Barring unforeseen severe weather, NYSEG expected to restore electricity to all but a few hundred customers scattered throughout Clinton and Essex counties by Friday night. The remaining residents are expected to have their power restored later today.

In all, more and 12,000 NYSEG customers lost electrical service in the Plattsburgh Division. Mark Leta, NYSEG's manager of regional operations, expressed the company's appreciation for their customers' patience and understanding. "Without the support we receive from our customers and from many organizations in the communities we serve, our job would be much more difficult."

To assist residents in some of the hardest-hit areas, NYSEG has been making bottled water and dry ice available at the AuSable Forks, Keene, Keene Valley and Lewis fire stations.

As the area continued to recover from the windstorm Friday afternoon, Jay officials lifted the state of emergency that went into effect shortly after the storm first hit.