PG&E could cut power in 17 California counties with high winds forecasted

Tens of thousands of California residents could be left in the dark this weekend as PG&E considers preemptive power shutoffs to reduce wildfire risks from powerful winds sweeping parts of the state.The utility announced Thursday that about 12,200 customers across 17 counties in Central and Northern California could lose electricity starting Friday, Oct.9, through Monday, Oct.

12, as gusty winds and low humidity threaten to fuel fires.Customers in affected areas have been notified about the potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), which are intended to reduce the risk of electrical equipment sparking a wildfire.“With a forecast for gusty winds, low humidity and elevated fire danger, PG&E has initiated advanced customer notifications in targeted areas where Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) may be necessary to reduce wildfire risk,” the notice read.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

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Never miss a story “Weather forecasts call for strong westerly winds with gusts between 30 and 45 mph Saturday with peak winds of 55 mph across portions of the Northern Sierra, followed by north winds Sunday in the Sacramento Valley area.”The potential outages could affect customers in Napa, Yolo, Tehama, Solano, Shasta, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Kings, Merced, Kern, San Joaquin, Alameda and San Benito counties.PG&E said it does not take the decision to cut electricity lightly.With high temperatures still in the forecast for some communities, the utility said it was working with local areas to provide additional resources.The National Weather Service in Sacramento on Thursday also warned about the increased risk of wildfires with north winds of 25-35 mph and low humidities, calling it “potential elevated fire conditions.”In the San Joaquin Valley, northwest winds could gus...