PG&E Warns Power Shutoffs, Drones Overhead In Sonoma County

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A wave of dry, gusty winds sweeping across Northern California has prompted Pacific Gas and Electric Company to warn that it may shut off electricity in parts of Napa, Sonoma, and neighboring counties beginning this weekend.

PG&E said it continues to track shifting weather conditions but has not yet announced outages.

Wind-driven fire danger is driving the alert, as forecasters flag dry vegetation and strong gusts that could increase the risk of wildfires from electrical equipment. Customers may keep power if conditions ease with a change in weather patterns.

The National Weather Service also announced "elevated fire weather conditions" until Monday, with low humidity and strong winds.

Wind gusts along the coastal regions could inch up to around the 40 to 45 m.p.h. (locally up to 50 m.p.h.) range, with gusts from 25 to 45 m.p.h.

The conditions could create hazardous marine conditions through the weekend, as well as downed trees, power outages, and difficult driving conditions for tall vehicles.

Drone inspections

PG&E will also launching drones in neighborhoods to capture photos of the utility's poles and power lines for inspection teams.

Residents should look for detailed outage maps and affected addresses if forecasts sharpen. Information about steps to take after an alert are available online.

PG&E officials said the drones are capturing photos of the company equipment, not residents' property.

These flights will happen during daylight hours, according to PG&E.

Drone pilots will be wearing reflective vests and will be PG&E employees, or approved PG&E contractors, also with IDs and reflective vests. Before approaching a pilot, wait until the drone has safely landed.

For questions call 1-877-295-4949.