WNY utility crews prepare for possible ice storm

An ice storm that could produce up to a 1/2" of ice accumulation along with 20 to 30 mph winds is expected to impact Western New York Saturday afternoon through Sunday and utility crews, NYSEG and National Grid, are doing all they can do to prepare.

NYSEG says they are monitoring the forecast and urge customers to do the same, as well as prepare for the possibility of severe service interruptions. 

Officials say they are putting storm readiness teams in place which will hold meetings, ready crews, mobilize employees for storm duty and make arrangements for additional resources if needed.

They urge their customers to sign up for outage alerts which will allow them to receive automatic outage updates via phone, text or email. Outage information can also be found on their website.

National Grid officials say they have more than 2,000 line, service and tree workers on alert in the areas expected to receive the severe weather, including additional support from their New England workforce and neighboring New York utilities.

Officials are urging their customers to stay updated on the local forecast as well as be on the lookout for any important announcements from emergency officials about possible evacuations or other emergency procedures.

National Grid customers can visit their website for real-time outage information, to sign up for text and email alerts and for electricity and generator safety tips.

An Ice Storm Warning is in place for Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming Counties from 2 p.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday. A Winter Weather Advisory is in place for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties from 5 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday. 

Stay tuned to 7 First Alert Weather for the latest updates and information.