Wild Winds Knock Out Power To Thousands In Western New York

The people who call Western and Central New York home are used to dealing with crazy weather. From snow you have to measure with a yardstick to flooding and heatwaves, the people of the Empire State have learned over time to expect and to be prepared to handle the unexpected.

So with that in mind, it wasn't that big of a deal when weather reports from local meteorologists and the National Weather Service were reporting that a major weather front was coming into the region, and it would bring big winds and a huge cool off to the area. However, it seems the winds were a lot more than many were ready to deal with, as thousands of New Yorkers are dealing with losing power between the evening hours on Sunday, March 15, 2026, and the morning hours on Monday, March 16, 2026.

According to WIVB-TV, nearly 15,000 people in Western New York alone are without power, and they're going to have to deal with it for at least a little while.

Utility Crews Are Working To Restore Power To Thousands

The National Weather Service has a high wind warning in effect until at least the end of the day on Monday, March 16, 2026. Even when the winds die down, the cold temperatures are set to roll in, which will make the jobs utility crews have to do to restore power to people that much more difficult.

Between National Grid and New York State Electric and Gas, there are well over 10,000 people in Western New York without power, and even more as you stretch into Central New York.

As power restorations are underway, which should be completed later today, crews remind people to do their best to avoid any downed lines or power poles, as you don't know if those wires are live. Downed electrical lines can be dangerous.