Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) shut off power in 19 counties in northern and central California due to the escalating risk of wildfires sparked by the “diablo wind,” known for its hot, dry gusts in the autumn.
Approximately 16,000 customers were without electricity as a result of the power shutoff, with the number potentially increasing to about 20,000 customers in the coming days.
The big picture: Customers in counties such as Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma in the Bay Area were among those affected by the power shutoffs.
- The “diablo wind” was forecasted to bring sustained winds of up to 35 mph and gusts exceeding 65 mph in certain areas, leading to red flag warnings for fire danger across various regions until Saturday.
- The dry conditions brought by the “diablo wind” pose a significant fire threat due to the rapid drying out of vegetation.
Zoom out: Southern California was also on alert for potential targeted power shutoffs due to the Santa Ana winds, which are dry, warm, and gusty northeast winds expected in the region.
- Red flag warnings were issued for areas in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire due to the fire hazard posed by the Santa Ana winds.
- Beside the winds, light snowfall was reported in mountaintops around Lake Tahoe, with strong winds reaching up to 104 mph in certain areas.
- Freeze warnings were issued for the Sierra’s eastern front, which could have adverse effects on crops, vegetation, and outdoor plumbing due to plummeting temperatures.
