Powerful wind gusts leave thousands without electricity as Rochester faces severe weather conditions

Rochester, New York – Powerful winds swept through the Rochester region on Sunday, causing widespread power outages and leaving thousands of residents in the dark.

According to Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E), as of 12:48 p.m., 1,813 customers in Monroe County were experiencing power outages. The hardest-hit areas included Gates, with 940 outages, and Penfield, with 383 affected customers. Crews were dispatched to restore service as quickly as possible, but strong gusts continued to make conditions challenging.

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“We are working diligently to restore power, but the high winds are making repairs difficult in some areas,” an RG&E spokesperson stated. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to get the lights back on.”

The impact of the windstorm extended beyond Monroe County. In Cayuga County, 251 customers were without power, while Ontario County saw a significant number of outages, affecting more than 2,400 customers. Wayne County was also hit hard, with RG&E reporting that 2,255 customers were left without electricity by midday Sunday.

Wind speeds reached dangerous levels across the Finger Lakes region, knocking down power lines and causing scattered outages throughout multiple counties. The National Weather Service had issued wind advisories earlier in the day, warning residents of gusts exceeding 50 miles per hour.

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Local authorities urged residents to exercise caution and report any downed power lines to avoid accidents. They also reminded the public to use generators safely and avoid running them indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Utility crews remained on high alert as forecasts predicted that windy conditions could persist into the evening, potentially leading to additional outages.

Residents were encouraged to check RG&E’s outage map for real-time updates and estimated restoration times. Those affected were advised to have flashlights and emergency supplies on hand as crews worked to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.

As storm season continues, officials are reminding residents to be prepared for sudden weather changes and to stay informed about power restoration efforts through official channels.