PG&E Cuts Power to Thousands in Northern California Due to Strong Winds
Around 13,000 customers in Northern California woke up without power on Friday as Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) took the precautionary measure to shut off electricity. This decision was made to prevent potential wildfires as the region experiences dry weather and strong winds. The power cuts began on Thursday evening and affected customers in 12 counties including Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma in the Bay Area. Further north, PG&E also implemented power outages in Colusa, Glenn, Tehama, and Shasta counties. The utility company warned that approximately 20,000 customers could experience temporary power cuts over the next few days.
Forecasters issued red flag warnings for fire danger until Saturday across central California, extending from the San Francisco Bay Area to northern Shasta County near the Oregon border. This warning comes as a major “diablo wind”, known for its hot and dry gusts in the autumn, is expected to sweep through Northern California from Thursday evening to Saturday. The dry air associated with the diablo wind significantly reduces humidity levels, drying out vegetation and elevating the risk of wildfires. Sustained winds of up to 35 mph (56 kph) are predicted in various areas, with potential gusts exceeding 65 mph (104 kph) along mountaintops, as per the National Weather Service.
In Southern California, where Santa Ana winds are anticipated on Friday and Saturday, targeted power shutoffs may also take place. These dry and gusty northeast winds typically blow from the interior towards the coast and offshore, posing a fire risk. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for several areas, including Los Angeles County, parts of the Inland Empire, and the San Bernardino Mountains. While the winds in the greater Los Angeles region are expected to be less intense compared to Northern California, gusts between 25 and 40 mph (40 and 64 kph) are possible in the mountains and foothills.
In contrast to the windy conditions, snowfall is forecasted for the mountaintops near Lake Tahoe, with up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) expected by Friday morning. Wind gusts around Lake Tahoe may reach 70 mph (113 kph). Additionally, the National Weather Service released a freeze warning along the Sierra’s eastern front, effective from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday, with temperatures potentially dropping into the low 20s Fahrenheit (-5 Celsius) in certain areas. This warning highlights the risk of frost damage to crops, sensitive vegetation, and outdoor plumbing.
The ongoing power outages and weather alerts underscore the proactive measures being taken to mitigate the threat of wildfires in California as extreme climatic conditions persist. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions during this period of heightened fire risk.