Power Shutoff​ Possible For Banning, Beaumont Starting Friday

SAN GORGONIO PASS AREA, CA — Despite cool temperatures and double-digit humidity levels Thursday night, shifting weather conditions have prompted Southern California Edison to advise of a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff for the Banning, Beaumont area beginning Friday.

The "period of concern" will continue through Saturday, possibly into Sunday, said SCE spokesman David Song.

Turbulent weather in the Great Basin will see humidity levels "drop like a rock" by Friday, Song said of the meteorology reports his agency has received.

"It is going to be a short-lived event, hopefully clearing out Saturday," Song said of the dangerous wildfire conditions.

A PSPS event occurs when there is a high risk of a wildfire for a particular area.

The National Weather Service is predicting wind gusts of up to 25-30 mph Friday and Saturday in the Pass Area.

A total of 4,530 Riverside County SCE customers are impacted by the possible PSPS, nearly all of them in the Banning, Beaumont area. Another 13,455 San Bernardino County customers are affected, and about 25,000 customers across Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties could be without power over the period.

If the PSPS does occur, Song said power should be restored no more than 24 hours after weather conditions improve and crews inspect the lines.

Winter PSPS events will likely be suspended if and when the region gets a couple of rainstorms, Song explained.

"Once we get a good soak, it pretty much allows us to ease up the reins," he said.

If the power does go out, Song said there are community resources and support available from SCE. Click here to learn more.

To keep abreast of the PSPS event, click here.