Possible power outages in East Bay this weekend due to strong winds: PGE

( KRON ) — With parts of the Bay Area expected to see hot and windy weather, PG&E is warning of possible public safety power shutoffs this weekend. The utility says if the power shutoffs do happen, about 500 customers would be affected.

Next week, more hot days are ahead. While a “PSPS” — a high fire-threat area — has not been called for this weekend, PG&E, the National Weather Service, and the KRON4 weather team are monitoring fire weather conditions in the forecast.

Patterson Road, east of Livermore near the Altamont Pass, is just one of the areas that could experience a public safety power shutoff on Saturday as hot temperatures and gusty offshore winds are back in the forecast.

PG&E routinely looks at weather conditions to determine if shutting off electricity is necessary to reduce the risk of their equipment starting a wildfire.

According to the utility, about 500 Bay Area customers in Alameda County and Contra Costa County were notified about a possible PSPS. If that happens, it will take place around 11 a.m. Saturday. Customers are expected to have their power back on in the evening.

“It’s been this hot before, but it’s never been this hot for so many days in a row,” Eric Evensen, General Manager of Ace Hardware of Livermore, told KRON4.

Evensen offered some advice for East Bay residents dealing with the heat.

“Obviously, stay hydrated. Fans, personal cooling, we have handheld misters, air conditioners, stay cool and out of the direct heat,” Evenson said.

KRON4 will continue to monitor the weather over the weekend.

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