Power Shutoffs Under Consideration Across Much Of Western RivCo: SCE

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — With Santa Ana winds forecast to reach up to 85 mph and isolated gusts to 100 mph this week in Riverside County, Southern California Edison said Monday that Public Safety Power Shutoffs may be necessary to protect homes and communities.

"The incoming wind is predicted to be intense," said Raymond Fugere, SCE’s PSPS incident commander. "Ensuring the safety of our customers and communities is our highest priority. We use these shutoffs only as a last resort."

SCE’s online interactive outage map at sce.com/outagemap shows a PSPS is "under consideration" for much of Southwest Riverside County and up through the San Gorgonio Pass Area.

If power is turned off, SCE said it will attempt to restore electricity to customers as fast as possible, "when it is safe to do so."

Once winds die down, crews will inspect the lines to make sure nothing is damaged and determine whether it's safe to re-energize the area, according to the utility.

"This means customers could be without power even after winds have ended until inspections are completed in their communities. Where safely possible, power could be restored to customers temporarily if there are lulls in the weather. Further shutoffs may occur if winds return," the utility reported.

Moderate to strong northerly to northeasterly Santa Ana winds will develop Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service. A high wind warning will be in effect through Wednesday evening across western Riverside County.

As a result of dry conditions that could see relative humidity drop to 10%, a Red Flag Warning will last through at least Thursday night in western Riverside County, according to the forecasters.

Red Flag warnings are issued when fire danger is extremely high.

Find details on your local weather conditions from the National Weather Service.

Related article: Fire Crews Ramp Up For Intense Winds This Week In Riverside County