Astorino Reports on Damage Caused by Snow

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Cleanup began in Westchester County on Sunday after heavy snow arrived early to the area.

County Executive Robert P. Astorino started to assess the damage caused by the snow. Approximately 70,000 Con Edison and 29,800 NYSEG customers were without power Sunday, according to a press release from the county executive’s office.

“We’re working in systematic stages to get the county back to normal as quickly as possible,” Astorino said in a press release. “In order to restore power, trees and other debris needs to be cleared so the streets can be plowed, and then once the roads are clear, crews can begin working on the lines.”

Astorino cautioned county residents to avoid power lines that have fallen because of the snow and to pace themselves as they shovel the snow that has accumulated around their homes. He also expressed optimism about the county’s ability to clean up the snow.

“The good news is that it’s a warm day and we’re not fighting the elements,” Astorino said. “I urge everyone to use caution and common sense when digging out.”

The county government has been in touch with both Con Edison and NYSEG but there were no official estimates as of Sunday afternoon as to when power would completely be restored. Astorino urged people to report any outages to their power companies.

The main concern is the 600 residents in the Waterview and Salem Hills nursing homes, both of which are without power, in North Salem, officials said. The Greater New York Red Cross is also working with local Emergency Management officials to provide help to those who need it, according to a press release.

Shelters have been opened for those without power at the Bedford Community Center and Copper Beach Middle School in Yorktown. A heating comfort station has been opened in the Municipal Building at 1 Van Wyck St. in Croton.

 

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