Despite predictions of major storms, according to the National Weather Service, the area received a mere .67 inches of rain on Thursday.
Although the storms passed with just brief outages reported, National Grid said it was ready for bad weather.
National Grid officials said the company readied extra crews and was prepared to activate its storm operations centers across the region in case the storms caused significant outages. Customers who notified National Grid that they depend on electric-powered life support equipment are being called and notified to take appropriate precautions. The company reported it is also working with state and local officials to ensure a coordinated response and that appropriate communication channels were established.
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OBSERVER Photo by Samantha McDonnell
Despite rain Thursday, festivities continued at the Chautauqua County Fair.
"These storms have the potential to be severe in nature and may bring frequent lightning, damaging winds and hail, and with the unstable atmospheric conditions they could pop up anywhere," Keith McAfee, National Grid Operations vice president for upstate New York, said.
"We want our customers and communities to know we stand ready to respond to whatever today brings. We're here for our customers."
Although the rain was slight, area farmers are grateful to have any at all.
"It came a little too late, but the younger plants are turning green now," farmer Roberto Fred of Dunkirk said.
Fred said he uses a drip irrigation system, but it's costly.
"I spent about $1,000 in hoses and fittings and pumps. Over 10 acres, it costs me about $2500 to water," Fred reported.
Fred said the rain, although slight, is welcome.
"It's good we're finally getting water from the sky, from heaven," Fred said.
Richard Feinen of Feinen Farms said this season has "definitely been a challenge." Feinen has six acres of cauliflower planted as a fall crop and said creeks and ponds have been providing a limited supply of water.
"Irrigation isn't like natural rain. When you irrigate, and it's sunny and hot, it just evaporates right up." Feinen noted the rainfall was bout five or six inches below normal.
Feinen also said the crops of grapes which were not damaged by late frosts have also suffered under the recent hot and dry conditions.
"The grapes have basically been hurting for moisture. They're about two or three weeks early and lost berry size. Usually we look at October 1 as the harvest, but we're looking at September now. The heat sped up the ripening process," Feinen said.
"We missed out on the high winds, which is good," Feinen added.
