UPDATE: Rochester General Hospital relies on generator after power outage

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester General Hospital relied on its generator on Friday morning after it lost power in some areas, says a hospital spokesperson.

The hospital is transitioning back to its regular power source with the help of RG&E. The power outage didn’t impact surgeries or procedures. However, the RGH Emergency Department went on diversion for a few hours to slow the flow of patients.

“Generator power immediately kicked in and at no time were any patients or staff at risk. No patients were moved or evacuated,” said a statement from Rochester Regional Health.

The Rochester Fire Department says an overheated transformer caused the outage. The fire alarm went off around 12:45 a.m. at the hospital’s mechanical room in the basement. Within four minutes, firefighters arrived at the room and determined that there was no fire but there was smoke from the transformer.

Friday’s visit hours won’t be affected.