SDG&E Warns Of Potential Power Shutoffs Amid Red Flag Conditions

SAN DIEGO, CA — Public safety power shutoffs could go into effect Tuesday as Southern California braces for what the National Weather Service predicts "will likely be the most destructive windstorm" in over a decade.

San Diego Gas & Electric said that up to 64,866 customers could lose power this week to mitigate wildfire risk due to low humidity and strong Santa Ana winds. As of 1 p.m. Tuesday, there were no public safety power shutoffs or unplanned outages reported on the utility company's website.

"Public safety power shutoffs are approved by state regulators as an important safety tool of last resort to mitigate fire risk during dangerous weather conditions," the company said in a news release.

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning from 4 p.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Wednesday and a red flag warning from 4 a.m. Wednesday through 6 p.m. Thursday for the county's mountains and valleys.

SDG&E's Emergency Operations Center was monitoring weather conditions, especially wind speeds in the high-risk wildfire areas of the county. If power shutoffs take place, the company will open community resource centers to support impacted customers.

SDG&E officials warned that customers should never approach damaged infrastructure or downed power lines. Report downed lines by calling 911 or SGD&E's call center at 800-411-7343.