Gas main break forces evacuations in Montour Falls

UPDATE 4:30 P.M. (10/3): According to the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office, the gas leaked has been stopped. Residents are now safe to move back into their homes.

According to NYSEG, 452 customers in the Montour Falls area are without gas services for the time being. NYSEG is in the process of making repairs and is visiting every customer to disconnect gas services. Once repairs are finished, Schuyler County Emergency Services says NYSEG will return to the properties to turn the natural gas meter on and relight appliances.

NYSEG says they expect restoration work to continue into Friday.

MONTOUR FALLS, N.Y. -- An unknown number of people are under evacuation orders in Montour Falls, New York on Thursday, October 3rd in the area around North Main Street due to a gas leak. At the same time, Schuyler County Emergency management has asked residents on surrounding streets in the Village to shelter in place. 

According to Montour Falls Mayor James Ryan, the gas leak happened during excavation work being done near the Catharine Valley Trail. New York State's 511 NY, which is a state travel traffic tracking feature, described the incident as a gas main break. 

Ryan went on to say that the evacuation has impacted traffic on Route 14. First responders were seen on North Genesee Street telling people to leave the area.

This is a developing story, and WENY News is working to bring you the latest details on the situation.