Thousands of National Grid customers in northern Chautauqua County were impacted by power outages Friday morning during a period of high winds. National Grid’s outage map indicated approximately 1,800 customers without power — including over 1,200 in the Dunkirk area — as of 11:30 AM. According to Dunkirk Police, a tree fell onto power lines on Central Avenue near Willowbrook Avenue, causing significant damage. Repairs are expected to take an extended period of time. The Dunkirk Fire Department, DPW, and National Grid are also on scene. Central Avenue is closed between Willowbrook Avenue and Green Street. Police add that traffic signals from Lucas Avenue to Millard Fillmore Avenue are not operating. Motorists should be alert for officers directing traffic, barricades, or portable stop signs in place.
A high wind warning remains in effect for Chautauqua and Erie counties until 10:00 PM Friday. The National Weather Service in Buffalo reported a peak gust of 59 MPH at the Dunkirk Airport just before 7:00 AM…