Weather
117,500 In SD May Lose Power As Santa Ana Windstorm Arrives
This week, a dry windstorm will blow through San Diego County, raising fire danger and the potential for Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
SAN DIEGO, CA — A Santa Ana windstorm was expected to hit San Diego County on Monday morning and last through Wednesday, prompting warnings of potential power outages for tens of thousands of residents.
On Monday, the San Diego Gas & Electric Company urged that approximately 117,466 customers could lose power as the strong windstorm blows through the region. The number of affected customers has increased by thousands since the utility issued its initial power shutoff warning over the weekend.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs could take effect from at least noon Monday to noon on Wednesday, the utility said in a Monday update. Counties from Alpine to Warner springs are under the warning.
Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"We are actively monitoring the potential for high fire risk weather conditions," the utility said Monday. "These conditions may require us to turn off the power for public safety."
The news comes after the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning late last week in anticipation of Santa Ana winds this week. The warning takes effect at 10 a.m. and will last through 4 a.m. on Wednesday as "strong, gusty" Santa Ana winds, coupled with dry air will sweep through the Southland.
Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In the eastern reaches of San Diego's valleys, gusts could kick up to 60 mph.
"A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior," NWS forecasters said in a Monday morning update.
Once the windstorm dies down, the utility said its crews will restore any power outages as quickly as possible. SDG&E has activated its Emergency Operations Center to monitor conditions 24/7, with personnel, pre-staged materials and equipment ready for response. When Community Resource Centers are activated for impacted areas, customers will be notified.
The utility advised that personal emergency plans should be used to keep family, pets and livestock safe. Officials also urged the public to report downed power lines by calling 911 or SGD&E's call center at 800-411-7343. An emergency checklist can be downloaded here.
Additional information about unplanned power outages can be found here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
