BUFFALO, N.Y. — Over the weekend, Western New York will be slammed by a winter storm. As a result from the high forecasted winds and flash freezing, many residents could be faced with power outages.
People should be prepared for that possibility.
"In addition to the snow we are going to have the winds, so we know we are going to have power outages," Erie County Commissioner of the Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services, Daniel J. Neaverth, Jr., said.
In anticipation of the event, people are encouraged to make sure their devices are charged, make sure they have batteries for their flashlights and know how to safely use a generator if they plan on using one.
At a news conference on Thursday afternoon, the Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz reminded people to only use generators outside of the home and at least 20 feet away.
"When there are deaths in these situations, it's often because people are putting generators in a garage, in their house. Never use it indoors. Never use it in your garage," Poloncarz said.
Here are some links to view power outages in your area:
Restorations will be dependent on when crews can get out safely.
"By the end of the day today. We will have statewide a total crew of 2800 members, some of whom we're bringing in from Texas, Tennessee and other states to help us so that we can help you. Safety is our top priority." David Bertola, a spokesperson for National Grid said.
You can also do a few things now to make it easier for crews to get the power back on if you lose it.
"A lot of our power infrastructure runs through people's backyards, and sometimes it's difficult to access that area. It's going to be, it might be compounded by heavy snowfall this time around, so if you have things like maybe bikes, or snow blowers, or maybe cars parked where a crew member might not be able to get back there to access that property, maybe clear that area out," Bertola told 2 On Your Side's Kelly Dudzik.
They also want you to check on any neighbors who live alone, especially if the power goes out.
For more Storm Team 2 coverage: