70K Face Power Shutoffs Amid Elevated Fire Risk In NorCal

PG&E could shut off power for up to 70,000 customers across 29 Northern California counties from Wednesday evening through Saturday, the company warned Tuesday. The shutoffs are anticipated as high winds and dry conditions lead to elevated wildfire risk across the region.

The shutoff warnings come as forecasters warn of strong, dry offshore winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation across Northern California, particularly in the North Bay mountains, East Bay hills, Sacramento Valley, and Sierra Nevada foothills. Utilities shut off power lines to avoid sparking fires.

The National Weather Service is forecasting gusts of 25-35 mph across higher elevations throughout the Bay Area, with isolated gusts potentially exceeding 50 mph.

Still, PG&E said Tuesday that the earliest shutoffs will not occur until Wednesday, and conditions could change.

As of Tuesday afternoon, PG&E anticipates dozens of communities will lose power, impacting thousands of customers. This may include the roughly 4,000 customers who already lost power in shutoffs over the past weekend. Customers can search here to see if their address will be affected. PG&E is also texting affected customers.

Impacted communities and the number of customers who could lose power:

• Alameda: 4,705
• Alpine: 660
• Amador: 48
• Butte: 3,098
• Calaveras: 8,550
• Contra Costa: 1,605
• El Dorado: 6,907
• Fresno: 3,934
• Kern: 1,117
• Lake: 57
• Lassen: 88
• Madera: 1,724
• Mariposa: 931
• Mendocino: 27
• Napa: 3,027
• Nevada: 2,238
• Placer: 9,063
• Plumas: 706
• San Luis Obispo: 10,460
• Santa Barbara: 1,100
• Shasta: 3,019
• Sierra: 1,149
• Solano: 30
• Sonoma: 1,783
• Tehama: 835
• Tulare: 281
• Tuolumne: 1,787
• Yolo: 8
• Yuba: 419

Estimated Customers Impacted By Tribe

• Big Sandy Rancheria: 59
• Cold Springs Rancheria of Mono Indians: 51
• Mooretown Rancheria: 4
• North Fork Rancheria: 2
• Pit River Tribes: 6

If shutoffs occur, PG&E said that it will open Community Resource Centers to assist affected customers. The CRC’s provide chargers, Wi-Fi, water, snacks, blankets, ADA-accessible restrooms, medical device support, up-to-date information about the Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and more. Service animals are also welcome. See here to find the one nearest to you.

Affected residents can also call 211 to help prepare for the emergency, and receive support resources before, during, and after a power outage. Customers can also text ‘PSPS’ to 211 or visit 211.org.

In Southern California, Southern California Edison is considering shutting off power for more than 200,000 customers due to hot, dry winds that reach up to 70 mph in some locations. Red flag warnings have been issued for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Facing an outage, customers should follow several safety precautions, including:

• Charge electronic devices
• Prepare emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, drinking water, and medications,
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by not using generators, grills, or camping stoves indoors or in garages
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed

See ready.gov for more tips.

SEE ALSO:

• Power Shutoffs Possible As Santa Ana Winds Bring Heat And Threat Of SoCal Wildfires
• 12K NorCal Customers Could Lose Power This Weekend Amid Elevated Fire Risk
• CalFresh Recipients Who Lost Power May Qualify For Food Replacement