Albany provides update on severe weather damage

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Albany Police, firefighters, general service workers, National Grid, and more have been working diligently to assist those affected by Thursday's severe weather and thunderstorm. The City of Albany says roughly 18,000 residents in the city were without power due to trees falling and damage to buildings. No serious injuries have been reported at this time.

Over 16,000 National Grid customers of the 18,000 affected have been assisted and have restored power. Residents are urged to stay away from downed power lines if they come across them.

Albany firefighters, police, general services, buildings and regulatory compliance, and water departments have worked and responded to a partial collapse at 13 Thatcher Street with other buildings that suffered roof damage. There have been over 50 reports of downed trees across the city, and the Department of General Services is working with over 20 pieces of equipment across the city to remove them.

"I have been in constant contact with our Chiefs, Commissioners, and members of my Senior Staff Thursday evening and early morning hours as they actively lead their departments and respond to this severe weather event," said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. "I commend our front-line colleagues who continue working around the clock to ensure the safety of those impacted and will continue to closely monitor our response. Given the sudden impacts from Thursday's severe weather event, I strongly urge residents and businesses to prepare for additional thunderstorms and strong winds through the weekend."

Albany residents can sign up for Nixle alerts online and can stay up-to-date with local weather on NEWS10's website.

Residents are also reminded in an emergency to call 911, and if you need to report power outages or downed power lines, call National Grid at 800-642-4272. To report flooding or sewer backups, contact the Albany Water Department Dispatch at (518) 434-5322.