Bello urges residents to use caution when traveling as Monroe County continues storm cleanup and power restoration efforts

Rochester, New York – Cleanup efforts are continuing across Monroe County after powerful thunderstorms swept through the region, leaving behind fallen trees, downed power lines, scattered debris, and widespread disruptions. While the worst of the weather has moved out, local officials are reminding residents that dangerous conditions remain and are urging everyone to be especially careful if they need to travel.

County Executive Adam Bello issued a public advisory following the storms, emphasizing that recovery operations are still underway in many communities. Utility crews, emergency responders, and public works teams continue working to clear roads, restore electricity, and respond to storm-related incidents throughout the county.

The Monroe County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains fully engaged as officials coordinate the ongoing response. Emergency managers are closely tracking power outages, monitoring traffic conditions, and keeping watch over 9-1-1 call activity while working alongside utility providers, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and dispatch personnel to prioritize areas most in need of assistance.

Although weather conditions have improved, officials say residents should not assume roadways are free of hazards. Debris, damaged infrastructure, and utility work zones may still create dangerous situations, particularly during the morning commute and in neighborhoods where restoration efforts are continuing.

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“Though the most severe weather has passed, residents should continue to use extra caution when driving and plan extra time to arrive to destinations as crews are still actively working to cleanup debris and restore power in many areas of the county,” said Bello.

County leaders are encouraging people to postpone unnecessary trips whenever possible. Fewer vehicles on the road will allow emergency responders, utility workers, and cleanup crews to move more efficiently and safely as they restore normal conditions.

Drivers who must travel are reminded that intersections with dark or non-functioning traffic lights should be treated as four-way stops. Officials also stress that anyone who encounters a downed power line should stay far away from it and immediately report the hazard rather than attempting to move it.

For households experiencing power outages, the county is also highlighting the importance of generator safety. Backup generators should only be operated outdoors or in properly ventilated outdoor locations to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Residents are also encouraged to prepare for extended outages by keeping emergency supplies on hand, including bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, medications, and other essential items.

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The county is asking neighbors to look out for one another, particularly older adults and individuals who depend on electricity to power medical equipment. Those with critical medical needs should have alternative plans in place if outages continue.

Officials are also reminding residents to avoid leaving candles unattended during power outages, bring pets indoors when conditions warrant, and secure outdoor furniture, garbage containers, and other loose items that could become hazards if additional storms develop.

As recovery work continues, Monroe County encourages residents to stay informed by following updates from local news outlets, emergency management officials, and utility companies. Authorities say public awareness and patience will remain essential as crews work to safely restore services and remove storm damage across the county.