The Monroe County region is grappling with the aftermath of a powerful windstorm that swept through the area on Thursday, leaving a trail of power outages and property damage. As of Friday morning, more than 10,000 customers remain without electricity, with emergency crews working around the clock to restore services.
The storm, which brought gusts exceeding 50 mphcaused widespread disruption, downing trees, power lines, and utility poles. The RG&E reported significant outages across Monroe County, with additional impacts in neighboring counties such as Livingston, Ontario, and Wayne.
Assessing the Damage: A Region in Recovery
The storm’s impact was felt across various communities, with notable incidents in IrondequoitPittsfordand Spencerport. In Irondequoit, a massive tree narrowly missed a home on Montcalm Drivecausing significant damage to the sidewalk and neighboring properties. Homeowners Racheal Moyles and James Piacelliwho had recently purchased the home, expressed relief that no one was injured but noted the extensive cleanup required.
In Pittsforda tree fell onto a house, causing damage to the roof. Meanwhile, in Spencerporta tree came down on North Union Streetprompting the closure of the road until utility crews could safely remove the debris. Similar incidents were reported in GreeceMendonand Honeoye Fallswhere trees and power lines were downed, blocking roads and causing further disruptions.
Power Outages: A Regional Challenge
As of 11 p.m. Thursday, the RG&E reported that approximately 13,000 customers were without power across the region. The outages were distributed as follows: 8,446 in Monroe County, 69 in Livingston County, 132 in Ontario County, and 632 in Wayne County. Utility companies, including NYSEG and National Gridare working diligently to restore power and assess the extent of the damage.
The storm’s impact was not limited to power outages. In Greecedowned wires blocked part of a road, while in Fairporta tree fell onto power lines on Marsh Road. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has been actively monitoring the situation, providing updates on road closures and safety advisories.
Community Response and Recovery Efforts
The community has rallied together in the face of the storm’s aftermath. In Irondequoitthe town’s public works department has been working to clear debris and restore normalcy. Neighborhoods across the region have reported similar efforts, with residents assisting each other in cleanup and recovery.
As the region continues to recover, utility companies and local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and exercise caution. With the extent of the damage still being assessed, the timeline for full power restoration remains uncertain. However, the collective efforts of emergency crews, utility workers, and community members are crucial in navigating this challenging period.
