The Town of Ghent continues to respond to the severe storm that moved through our area Thursday evening, July 2, causing widespread damage from fallen trees, downed power lines, and extended power outages.
As of this afternoon, NYSEG reported that approximately 1,600 Town of Ghent customers lost electrical service during the storm. NYSEG reported that just under half of those customers had power restored by approximately 2:00 p.m. today. We have also coordinated emergency power restoration to several critical service providers. At this time, NYSEG has advised that they are unable to provide an estimated restoration time for the remaining outages.
NYSEG currently has approximately 30 utility crews working throughout the affected area, with an additional 25 crews expected to arrive on Saturday to assist with restoration efforts.
Saturday morning, dry ice and bottled water will be available at the Chatham Fire Company. The Village will update with the exact time, once they receive confirmation of delivery.
The New York State Department of Transportation has committed additional personnel and equipment to support cleanup efforts in the Towns of Ghent and Chatham, as well as the Village of Chatham. As of 2:00 p.m., all state highways under NYSDOT jurisdiction had been cleared and reopened.
Town Highway, in coordination with other crews, were able to clear all but two roads in Ghent by 2pm today. We will update on the two remaining in a subsequent update.
While significant progress has been made, residents are reminded to use caution when traveling and never approach or drive over downed power lines, as they should always be considered energized.
Additional strong thunderstorms are possible between approximately 5:00 p.m. and midnight tonight. Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware, secure loose outdoor items, and be prepared for the possibility of additional power outages or fallen trees.
Throughout this response, the Town Highway Department, the Ghent Volunteer Fire Company, West Ghent Volunteer Fire Company, Columbia County 911, NYSEG, the New York State Department of Transportation, Columbia County Emergency Management, the Chatham Village Police, and numerous local, county, and state agencies have worked together to address hazards, restore essential services, and coordinate recovery efforts. Representatives from the Village of Chatham, the Towns of Ghent and Chatham, Columbia County, New York State, NYSEG, and local emergency services met at 2:00 p.m. today to review conditions and coordinate ongoing response activities. The Town of Ghent was represented at that briefing by three members of the Town Board.
All of these teams have our sincere thanks for serving our community so well, and we’d like to extend special thanks to Supervisor Donald Collins and Mayor John Howe for their continued leadership and cooperation throughout this emergency.
We recognize that many residents remain without electricity and internet service and appreciate everyone’s patience as restoration and cleanup efforts continue.
The Town of Ghent will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.