County Emergency Services Director Tim Marshall said utility restoration efforts are being hampered due to extensive damage throughout the county. NYSEG is supplying free dry ice and water to customers affected by the power outage through the Hornell City Fire Department.
Anyone requiring shelter should call 2-1-1 for assistance, Marshall said.
The power failures and shelter openings were in response to a powerful winter storm that arrived in the region Friday, dropping as much as 18 inches of snow in Steuben and making safe travel difficult and dangerous. A Travel Advisory was issued Friday morning and remained in effect until Saturday evening.
County, municipal and electric crew, and countless volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the following days to clear roads, remove downed trees, restore power and provide other services.
Some 10,000 homes and businesses originally reported a loss of power, with about two dozen individuals requiring shelter.
Steuben County Chairman Joe Hauryski, R-Campbell, thanked all of those who responded to the emergency.
