WPCNR THE POWER NEWS. From a White Plains CitizeNetReporter. October 20 UPDATED  9:52 P.M. E.D.T.: A Highlands resident reports to WPCNR says Con Edison crews are working on the outage in the  Hartsdale Avenue, and the portion of  Midchester that was out of power is back on/

However, our correspondent says, after interviewing Con Edison workers that they told them they have had to cut all power because there were an undetermined number of live wires down and men were working in the area, and to facilitate repair they cut power causing "all of Soundview to Prescott and around to Ridgeway, and south from Soundview to Cushman Road.

Our correspondent reports Con Edision crews have told them the original outage was caused by a tree going down at Ralph Field. Previously, after the last blackout in September, Con Edison had said they were going to undertake a tree trimming program to eliminate trees close to overhead power wires. However, WPCNR has observed trees with "Xs" on them for at least a month that have not been "taken out."

Residents who lose electricity should advise Con Edision, 1-800-75-CONED. For NYSEG, 1-800-572-1131. Police will not contact Con Edison for you. It is the fifth time this year the Highlands and White Plains have suffered electrical outages because of weather.

As of 8:45 this evening the back area of RockyDell is also blacked out (higher numbers of 
Hazelton & Coralyn, Brentwood, & Norma.

Con Ed has informed the county that it has brought in extra crews. The storm could bring wind gusts of as much as 45 mph between now and 10 p.m. tonight (Friday). Winds will continue at least until 1 a.m. Saturday morning.

 Con Ed also says it has increased it customer service phone lines and personnel to ensure minimal waits. Customers reporting an outage may use an automatic line or wait to get a person. Either way, the outage will be reported.

Please pass on this information to any friends who are without power.