Bottled water will be available for residents today at multiple distribution points (locations listed below).
NYSEG is working to deliver dry ice, which officials say will be available later this afternoon. The dry ice will help residents keep food from spoiling while power restoration efforts continue.
Water and dry ice can be picked up at any of the following locations:
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Binghamton, several severe thunderstorms rolled through the area Tuesday afternoon into the evening. One storm in particular stood out, a long-track, high-end supercell that carved a destructive path more than 100 miles long.
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Meteorologists report wind speeds between 60 and 70 miles per hour along most of the storm’s track. In some spots, particularly where winds funneled downhill or through valleys, speeds may have topped 80 mph. While not officially classified as a tornado, the storm caused damage similar to one.
The storm’s impact is still being assessed, but early reports indicate significant destruction. The combination of high winds and large hail shredded trees, destroyed gardens and crops, and left numerous vehicles and homes damaged. Uprooted trees and downed power lines are believed to be the main cause of the extended outages.
Officials urge residents to stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to NYSEG. They also recommend checking on neighbors, especially seniors and those with limited mobility.
Broome County leaders say they’re working closely with utility crews to get power restored as quickly and safely as possible. In the meantime, distribution of water and dry ice aims to help residents weather the wait.
Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor
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Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor