A couple of thoughts from the Upstate NY side of things.
First of all I am so proud that everything was handled very smoothly and that there is NO interruption of the PGA Championships being held in our fair city this week. Also no looting in the streets after hours that I can tell, no major accidents in our area and folks were just looking out for one anothers safety in a time of crisis.
Second, let me remind folks that please DO NOT let your gas tanks get too low and stay too low. Both DH and I learned that lesson last night and I immediatley filled my gas tank this morning on my way to work now that most of the power has been restored.
Thirdly, if it was a lightning strike it had to be from earlier in the week or even last week cause yesterday was an absolutely georgous day in Upstate NY and NO lightning flashes were reported anywhere. It was sunny and warm and a high of 88 yesterday which for August is warmer than normal. So whatever the problems were even if it were a lightning strike from earlier in the week I hope both sides can work together to solve the problem and learn from it going forward.
Chris68
Peer Moderator 
