Utility Braces for Possible Storm Outages in the City

Consolidated Edison says it is monitoring rain and windstorms approaching the New York region and will respond to any service outages or other emergencies.

The National Weather Service warned Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday that severe thunderstorms and tornadoes could hit the state.

Con Ed said Thursday that the storms could carry high winds that could knock trees into power lines, transformers and other equipment.

The utility said that if members of the public see downed electrical wires they should report them to Con Ed or to the police.

The severe weather comes during a lockout of Con Ed's 8,000 unionized workers. About 5,000 managers and replacement workers are keeping electricity going for 3.2 million customers in New York City and Westchester County.