Many lessons were learned when Superstorm Sandy hit, leaving many residents of Long Island without power for weeks. Since that time, things have changed for the better. National Grid took the front seat to prepare LIPA for Winter Storm Nemo and it will do it again for Winter Storm Saturn.
Winter Storm Saturn is expected to bring rain, snow and localized flooding and damaging winds to Long Island. Winds can reach 30-35 mph and gusts can reach up to 50 mph. Under these conditions, there is potential that the storm will cause widespread electrical outages. The storm is expected to impact Long Island this evening and continue through Thursday. Additional information and updates on the storm continues to be made available at the LongIsland.com Weather Center.
National Grid has been working to prepare the LIPA System, just as it did around Winter Storm Nemo. The storm’s progress is being closely monitored and advance steps are being taken to position it for efficient and timely restoration work. Extra repair crews and support personnel are also in place, as well as increased staffing at the Customer Call Center. Its equipment and inventory is also in place at strategic locations.
It is clear from its handling of Winter Storm Nemo that the system is in a much better position than it was for Superstorm Sandy. It is expected that any electrical outage restoration will continue to be addressed in an efficient and timely manner.
For Winter Storm Nemo, over 94 percent of customer outages were restored within four hours of losing power. This was even with roadway and job site access challenged by unplowed roads.
Long Islanders are under multiple warnings, including a Winter Weather Advisory, Coastal Flood Advisory, Coastal Flood Watch, Wind Advisory, and a Hazardous Weather Outlook Alert. Storm safety and preparedness tips and information is available on the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) Storm Center website.
Any Long Islander experiencing an outage from the storm may report it through the Long Island Power Authority’s hotline at (800) 490-0075 or at (631) 755-6900. Outages may also be reported online at the LIPA Storm Center.
