Thousands Of IE Residents, Businesses Under Threat Of Power Shutoff

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Thousands of Southern California Edison customers in the local mountains are warned they may lose power on Tuesday due to heightened fire risk prompted by a strong warming trend.

According to SCE, a Public Safety Power Shutoff is planned from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"Be prepared for a PSPS during this time ...," the utility told customers.

A PSPS occurs when SCE temporarily shuts off power for a period of time to reduce the risk of a wildfire caused by utility equipment. Dangerous fire weather conditions — which include strong winds, dry vegetation, and low humidity — drive PSPS events, SCE reports.

The PSPS is in effect across Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Devore and other mountain communities. Click here to check your community.

Much of the Inland Empire will be under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. Tuesday to 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to data from the National Weather Service.

The warming will bring periods of gusty Santa Ana winds along and below the coastal slopes of the mountains for Monday night into Wednesday, with stronger gusts to 35 to 45 mph, according to the NWS.

High temperatures will be 15 to 20 degrees above normal Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, the agency reported.

Read more: Dry Heat Wave, Gusty Winds To Bake SoCal This Week, Raising Fire Concerns