Northern California residents are facing widespread power outages after Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) shut off electricity across 12 counties due to dangerous Diablo winds. By Friday morning, around 13,000 customers had lost power, with outages likely to extend through the weekend as winds intensify.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued red flag warnings across large parts of California, warning of winds up to 35 mph and gusts reaching 65 mph in mountainous areas. Meteorologists called this one of the most significant wind events of the year, warning residents to exercise caution.
The Diablo winds, which dry out vegetation, increase the risk of wildfires. PG&E’s preemptive power shutdown aims to prevent wildfires from sparking due to damaged power lines, a strategy developed after past devastating fire seasons.
In Southern California, residents are preparing for the Santa Ana winds, which are expected to bring gusts of up to 55 mph in Los Angeles County. Utilities in the region are monitoring the situation, with power outages also a possibility.
Meanwhile, in the Sierra Nevada, snowfall is forecast for the Lake Tahoe region, with winds gusting up to 70 mph and temperatures dropping into the low 20s Fahrenheit, prompting the first freeze warning of the season.
As California braces for strong winds, power outages, and heightened wildfire risks, officials continue to urge residents to stay alert and prepared.
