The region's major utilities are bracing for a possible brush with Hurricane Sandy. WAMC's Dave Lucas reports.
National Grid, Central Hudson, Orange and Rockland, Consolidated Edison and other power companies spanning the Hudson Valley are preparing for a risk of severe weather on Monday and Tuesday.
They are advising customers to monitor weather forecasts - have a telephone that does not require an electric outlet to operate; Charge mobile phones, and have a battery-powered flashlight radio, ideally a crank-radio that can also charge a cell phone handy to keep informed. Stay away from any lines that fall.
Forecasters say there's a 90 percent chance that the East will get high winds, heavy rain, flooding and maybe snow starting Sunday. While it's too early for precise forecasts, New York City and New Jersey could get the worst of it. Consolidated Edison has a webpage for Westchester County customers.
Most of the utilities will post power outage maps on their websites. National Grid also sends text messages out to customers during major storms. Their hot line is 1-800-867-5222.
Central Hudson can be reached at 1-800-527-2714 and they offer customers mobile apps for Android, Apple and Blackberry devices.
Orange and Rockland offers computer and telephone support at 1-877-434-4100
