Power shutoffs possible for 1000+ Sonoma County PG&E customers

PG&E says more than 3,000 customers in Napa County and 1,010 in Sonoma County are on the current power shutoff forecast list. photo credit: Courtesy of PG&E
A screenshot of the PG&E website showing the 10/17
"Public Safety Power Shutoff" forecast map.

The latest from Pacific Gas & Electric says now over 1,000 Sonoma County homes and businesses could lose power due to extreme fire danger---starting Thursday.

The utility said it sent out notices early Thursday morning to customers —via text, email, and automated phone call---in areas where power may be shut off due to wildfire risk.

The company says the duration and extent of outages depends on a number of factors, and that you can look up if you location is at risk of the utility's "Public Safety Power Shutoffs" at www.pge.com/pspsupdates.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of the Bay Area and elsewhere in Northern California starting at 11 p.m. on Oct. 17.

The forecast calls for low humidity and winds of 25-35 mph with isolated gusts of up to 50 mph in higher elevations.

According to PG&E, the utility considers de-energizing power lines in cases of "low humidity levels, generally 30% and below; a forecast of high winds, particularly sustained winds above 19 miles per hour and wind gusts above 30-40 miles per hour; and condition of dry material on the ground and low moisture content of vegetation."

The warning is in effect until 5 p.m. on Saturday.

PG&E says more than 3,000 customers in Napa County and 1010 in Sonoma County are on the current power shutoff list as of Thursday mid-day.