Power outages across Long Island rose back above 200,00 during the nor’easter that began yesterday afternoon and continues to bring snow to the area. According to LIPA, another 60,000 customers lost power due to the storm, further fueling frustration among LIPA customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Though coastal flooding was less severe than anticipated, snowfall ranged from 4.4 inches in Suffolk to 8 inches in Valley Stream and Albertson.
LIPA reports that restoration efforts may be delayed due to the weather, with the winds and snow creating unsafe working conditions for the repair crews. Currently LIPA has a force of 12,000 workers, including more than 8,000 linemen and tree service workers, contributing to the relief effort.
Approximately 40,000 customers will have to undergo a certification process ensuring that their homes or businesses are structurally sound and safe enough for LIPA crews to reconnect them to the power grid. Customers who are notified about the process but do not complete it will have their meters removed.
National Grid customers are also experiencing a long-wait for repairs in parts of Long Island. Some sections of the gas grid, those in flood-prone areas, were shut down as a safety measure prior to Sandy making landfall two weeks ago, and before the system can be relight National Grid workers have to clear the area.
Customers are warned that all LIPA and National Grid workers carry identification. LIPA crews are able to restore power in most cases without needing to enter a customers home, but National Grid repair crews require access to all gas appliances before they can deem the home safe for gas use.
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