High winds, almost 24 hours of soaking rain could wreak havoc on area power grid

The Greater Rochester area may escape the brunt of a monster blizzard tracking east from the Plains, but there will still be plenty of other weather headaches like a deluge of rain and strong winds that could top 60 mph, creating scattered power outages across the region, according to Accuweather meteorologists.
The rain is forecast to begin late Thursday night and will be accompanied by strong winds that could bring down trees and power lines. It isn't expected to let up until Friday night, when temps will be in the mid-20s but feel more like single digits due to the wind chill.
Winds will finally die down to around 13 mph on Saturday, but the wind chill will make the day's high of 24 feel more like around 12.
Meanwhile, Eversource said today it is closely monitoring several weather forecasts and planning accordingly.
"The combination of soaking rain and strong winds can more easily bring down trees and tree limbs onto power lines and equipment causing outages," Eversource officials said in a statement sent this afternoon. "After restoring power to more than 121,500 customers statewide following last week's winter storm, Eversource is patrolling the system early this week for potential trouble spots, and the energy company's line and tree crews are preparing equipment and vehicles so they can quickly respond when and where needed."
The company is also bringing in hundreds of outside crews to assist with restoring power if needed, they said.

Customers are encouraged to prepare for the storm by assembling or restocking a storm kit which should include essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, pet food and any needed medications. In addition, make sure cell phones and devices are fully charged, create an emergency plan with family members and prepare to check on elderly neighbors and friends.
Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. Be sure to report any outage online at Eversource.com, or by calling 800-662-7764. Customers who signed up for the company's two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.

Rochester Public Works officials such as Director Peter Nourse and Highway and Fleet Supervisor Ken Henderson were not immediately available for comment on the city's storm preparedness.