UPDATE 4:45 P.M. –– NYSEG has confirmed that the source of the power outage Wednesday was a transformer fire on North Plain Street in the early afternoon.
According to a company spokesperson a tree had grown into the transformer fuse, causing a small fire. The spokesperson went on to say that all customers –– 664 of them –– had power restored by 3:53 p.m.
Original story continues below.
ITHACA, N.Y. –– The New York State Electric and Gas Company (NYSEG) is in the midst of responding to a massive power outage that has hit hundreds of customers in downtown Ithaca Wednesday afternoon.
According to NYSEG’s website more than 600 are currently without power with an estimated time for service restoration slated for 6:30 p.m.
Tompkins County 911 dispatch has said that there was a blown transformer on the 500 block of North Plain Street that may be the root of the problem, though that is unclear. Power has been in and out over the last two weeks as strong winds and storms have bombarded the area.
Some stoplights are out, including at the intersection of Cayuga and Seneca Streets. Drivers are advised to treat intersections like four-way stops.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.