Uniondale, NY- September 17, 1999 -- While Floyd did not deliver a hurricane punch to Long Island, its driving winds and heavy rains did cause approximately 125,000 electric service outages within the Long Island Power Authority's (LIPA) service area.

During the storm, LIPA restored some 80,000 service interruptions even as Floyd moved across Long Island. Approximately 26,000 customers were restored overnight. More than 718 restoration crews are being dispatched across Long Island today to restore service to the approximately 20,000 customers who remain out of service as of 8:00 a.m. this morning.

It is anticipated that most major outages will be restored by 8:00 p.m. this evening. Single service restorations should be complete by mid-night tonight.

"We dodged a bullet," said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel. "Floyd could have devastated Long Island if it arrived as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane. But LIPA's storm preparation paid off. We were able to keep pace with the outages as they occurred, and we hope to complete restoration today."

More than 2300 electric service personnel are leading the restoration effort, which will be assisted by 50 electric service crews from New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) who arrived on Long Island last night. Additionally, some 170 independent contractor personnel from off Long Island - some from as far away as Ohio and Florida - will assist in today's effort. In addition, 275 tree trim personnel will help remove trees and tree limbs from power lines to help expedite restoration.

More than 2,500 substation personnel, who will be manning more than 100 substations throughout Long Island today, will inspect electric distribution circuits throughout the Island to identify potential trouble spots that can be resolved before they cause service interruptions.

LIPA's new automatic telephone system was put in operation yesterday. It processed 97% of the customer outage calls received.

"We appreciate all of the hard work performed by the electric service crews and additional personnel who assisted in the restoration efforts," said Mr. Kessel. "Field personnel, administrative staff and senior executives, especially Robert Catell, who responded to this potentially devastating situation, have performed a great service to Long Island."