Con Ed: Expect 'Significant Progress' Over Next 2 Days

Just under 165,000 Westchester County customers remain without power this morning, according to Con Edison.

"The hurricane is the worst natural disaster to strike Con Edison’s customers," the company reiterated in a statement this morning.

Safety issues throughout the county, "where more than 600 roads are closed," have made it difficult for employees and contractors to reach some affected areas, the company said.

However, "The company expects to make significant progress restoring electricity over the next two days due to Wednesday’s damage assessment and field work planning," Con Edison assured the media today. "Additional crews from around the country continue arriving from as far away as California to assist New Yorkers. Cargo planes are unloading their equipment and will be assigned throughout the area."

Since Hurricane Sandy hit the county, the company said residents should be especially careful when entering a flooded basement.

"Know whether there are electrified services or unsanitary conditions and wear high rubber boots. Also, know how deep the water is and probe it with a wooden stick, if necessary, to gauge the depth," the company advised. "Keep children out of basements where there is water."

Despite the frustrations shared by some county residents about the apparant lack of response, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said he spoke directly with Con Edison Chief Executive Kevin Burke.

"We have been assured that Con Edison is not diverting any resources from Westchester to New York City or other parts of the region," he said.

Local Editor Zach Oliva contributed to this report.