Genesee and Orleans counties weather the ice storm

A combination of high winds, freezing rain and snow left thousands of residents in the Genesee and Orleans county areas shivering in the dark. Some residents were without electricity and heat for more than 72 hours February 1 as downed power lines and fallen trees kept utility workers busy round the clock.

Clarendon’s Fire Chief John Totter said his department began pumping basements on Thursday as the sleet and freezing rain began falling. "We worked around the clock," he said. "We averaged eight to 14 runs an hour pumping basements."

In addition to pumping basements, Totter said his department, along with mutual aid from Murray, Hulberton and Fancher departments, supplied heat generators to elderly residents. "By Saturday, we had two departments come from Seneca County to help us keep up with the demand," he said.

By Friday, parts of Clarendon had limited power, he said, but by Saturday the town was completely without any electricity. An American Red Cross reception center was set up in the Holley school. The centers offered individuals a place to come, get warm and have a hot meal.

"I think things were handled extremely well," he said. "Emergency Management was right on top of things and people from the state came in to assist us."

Totter gave thanks to Kevin Noon, owner of K&K Markets, for helping out the firemen and volunteers. Noon said the ice storm showed him that, under adverse conditions, members of his staff all pulled together and helped out. "Without any rehearsal for this type of situation, the people at my stores really showed their professionalism and dedication to their job and their communities," Noon said.

Of his 10 stores, three were without electricity and employees hauled supplies from one store to another to fill in the gaps for the people that needed supplies.

According to Niagara Mohawk sources, more than 15,000 customers had been without power as of 8 p.m. Friday, February 1.

In Genesee County, food and fuel were limited as widespread power outages left many of the electronic gas pumps unable to function.

Bergen Highway Superintendent David Roggow said Bergen was under a state of emergency for two days.

"The paver was out for a day to a day-and-a-half in some areas of the town," he said. "I also saw a couple of houses that were without power until Tuesday."

A Red Cross disaster center was set up in the Byron-Bergen school district and Roggow said a number of people took advantage of it by coming in for warmth and food.

"We made it through," he said. "It's winter, this weather is to be expected.

Schools in both counties were closed Friday and many area schools were closed Monday, February 4 as Niagara Mohawk crews braved the bitter cold and high winds in their attempts to restore power to the region.