PG&E scales back likely power shutoffs for Northern California

PG&E says they've reduced the number of counties that could see power shutoffs in the coming days, but tens of thousands could still be in the dark as critical fire danger weather moves into Northern and Central California.

A light weather system brought some showers on Wednesday. PG&E says this system boosted dead fuel moisture values and relative humidity to the Northern and Central Sierra Nevada region, prompting the utility to lessen the scope of Thursday through Saturday's Public Safety Power Shutoffs.

Strong winds and low humidity have been the major concerns following that system. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect for the Sacramento Valley and Bay Area from Thursday night through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The counties that could be affected by the shutoffs are different by the day, PG&E shows on its PSPS website .

Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, San Luis Obispo, Sierra, and Tuolumne were originally named as counties that could possibly see shutoffs, but those counties have now been removed from the alert.

In total, PG&E says about 20,000 customers could still be affected by shutoffs.

Thursday, Oct. 17 likely shutoffs

The number of customers possibly impacted will follow the county.

Alameda (28), Colusa (605), Contra Costa (805), Glenn (511), Lake (168), Mendocino (10), Napa (649), Santa Clara, Shasta (1,417), Solano (2,467), Sonoma (707), and Tehama (2,872).

Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 likely shutoffs

Alameda (28), Butte (648), Colusa (605), Contra Costa (805), Fresno (1,151), Glenn (511), Lake (168), Madera (2,901), Mariposa (640), Mendocino (10), Merced (27), Monterey (576), Napa (649), Plumas (658), Santa Barbara (106), Shasta (1,417), Solano (2,467), Sonoma (707), Stanislaus (27), Tehama (2,872), and Yolo (262).

Earlier in the week, PG&E listed Sunday, Oct. 20 as having a possible power shutoff. That day is now listed as having no PSPS planned.

How to prepare for a power outage

PG&E is urging people in the alert counties to take the following steps to prepare for the shutoffs.

-Charging devices and backup batteries.

-Stocking up on non-perishable food and water.

-Having flashlights and emergency supplies ready.

As with previous Public Safety Power Shutoffs, it could take some time for crews to reenergize the lines after the fire danger weather has passed.