The Oswego County Emergency Management Office announces that residents can go to a warming shelter at Jefferson County Community College if they still have no power at their homes after yesterday’s wind storm. Located at 1220 Coffeen St. in Watertown, the shelter will open at 5 p.m. tonight, Jan. 10.

“Yesterday’s wind storm created many challenges for our residents and emergency response agencies,” said Oswego County Emergency Management Office Director Cathleen Palmitesso. “At the peak of the storm, National Grid reported between 5,000 and 6,000 customers without power in the county.”

The county’s fire departments and town and county highway crews worked throughout the night to clear trees and debris from roadways so that National Grid line crews could restore power as quickly as possible. Law enforcement staff including the Oswego County Sheriff’s Department and New York State Police also provided needed assistance.

“Our E-911 center’s staff was instrumental in making sure crews were sent where they were needed and those efforts helped bring the number of National Grid customers without power down to 1,100 by 4:30 p.m. today,” Palmitesso said. “But there are still areas that have not been restored, primarily in northern and eastern Oswego County.”

The American Red Cross of Central & Northern New York established a shelter for Jefferson County residents at Jefferson Community College. The agency also welcomes Oswego County residents who need shelter and a warm place to stay.

Oswego County officials will re-assess the situation tomorrow, Jan. 11, to determine if a shelter is needed within Oswego County.

“We appreciate the efforts of National Grid to restore the power for our residents so quickly, as well as those of the Red Cross to assist those in need,” Palmitesso said. “We also appreciate the patience of our county residents – we know they are resilient and prepared to help us handle emergencies such as this.”

For more information on winter weather safety, visit the Oswego County Emergency Management online at www.oswegocounty.com/emo.