PG&E Warns of Potential Power Shutoffs in Seven Northern California Counties Due to High Winds

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is preparing for potential public safety power shutoffs in parts of seven Northern California counties, beginning Friday night. The utility company is considering cutting electricity to approximately 644 customers across Butte, Lake, Napa, Shasta, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties due to forecasts of powerful winds that could exacerbate wildfire risks.

The potential outages could start as early as 7 p.m. Friday, with some areas possibly remaining without power until Saturday night. The decision to implement shutoffs will depend on localized weather conditions, the dryness of vegetation, and the risk of wind-related damage to electrical equipment. PG&E's Emergency Operations Center is actively monitoring the situation.

Forecasters predict gusts ranging from 40 to 60 mph, particularly in the northern Sierra foothills, parts of Shasta County, and the North Bay hills. These conditions, combined with low humidity, could create a significant wildfire threat, turning dry brush into highly flammable fuel.

Despite recent rainfall in some parts of Northern California, PG&E meteorologists noted that the precipitation was insufficient to eliminate the wildfire danger in critical areas like the North Bay hills and northern Sierra foothills, where vegetation remains exceptionally dry. The National Weather Service has also issued warnings about strengthening north-to-east winds as a storm system moves out of the region.

Butte County is projected to be the most affected, with an estimated 284 customers potentially losing power, followed by Shasta County with 272. Solano County could see 43 customers impacted, Yolo County 17, and Napa County 16. Lake and Sonoma counties each face potential outages for six customers.

PG&E estimates that power restoration could begin as early as Saturday afternoon, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., though these times are subject to change based on evolving conditions. The company also cautioned that the interconnected nature of the power grid could lead to outages in areas beyond those initially identified.

However, a potential easing of conditions is expected, with winds anticipated to weaken by Saturday afternoon, leading to calmer and drier weather for the remainder of the weekend. PG&E stated it will continue to assess the fire threat and adjust its plans accordingly.