SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Severe thunderstorms tore through Central New York late Saturday, knocking out power to more than 50,000 National Grid customers at the storm’s peak. A statewide bulletin issued Sunday by New York State Emergency Management noted that these storms—driven by strong wind gusts—have caused over 5,000 utility outages across the Central New York and Southern Tier regions. By Sunday morning, restoration crews had reduced the total outages substantially, though scattered pockets of service interruption remain in northern Oswego County and parts of the Syracuse metro area.
Scope of the outages:
Large outages observed in two major zones southeast of Oneida and just south of Syracuse.
Smaller outages near the north of Syracuse and along the east shore of Oneida Lake, Adams Center, Oneida, Cazenovia, Carthage, Mexico and Pulaski, likely where individual poles or transformers failed.
High winds and torrential rain brought down trees onto power lines along the I-81 corridor and lakeshore roads. Mutual-aid crews from neighboring states are joining the effort, with the largest outages being addressed first.
Safety tips during outages
Residents can find guidance on keeping themselves, their families and pets safe—covering food storage, generator use and emergency communication—at the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services power-outage page:
https://www.dhses.ny.gov/power-outage
Heat wave arrives Monday
The National Weather Service forecasts mostly sunny skies with a high near 96 °F on Monday and heat-index values exceeding 100 °F. Designated cooling centers remain available for residents still without power. Homeowners are advised to verify that backup generators are fueled and operating safely. Anyone outdoors should stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity and check on elderly or medically vulnerable neighbors.
Repair crews face added challenges under the sweltering conditions, and heat-related slowdowns remain possible. Outage updates continue to be posted on the National Grid outage map and hotline.
