PG&E urges customers to prepare for strong winds, but is not planning a power shutoff
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. officials on Friday urged customers to prepare for strong winds expected on Sunday into Monday throughout much of Northern and Central California, but they are not calling for a power shutoff.
PG&E said electric and vegetation crews will be on alert and in position to respond should any power outages occur, according to a news release from the utility company.
Officials said in the release they would not be calling for a public safety power shutoff “as fuel and soil moisture values remain high due to winter season precipitation.”
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory that will remain in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday from the northern Sacramento Valley to the northern San Joaquin Valley. That advisory includes the Sacramento area, north to Redding and Chico and south to Stockton and Modesto.
Forecasters predicted northerly and easterly sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 30 to 45 mph in the Valley; and gusts of 30 to 60 mph in the foothills and mountain regions, according to the weather service. Even stronger wind could be expected in the higher elevations.
The strongest winds are expected Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, and the winds will begin to weaken into Monday morning.
A storm system will move the region Saturday night through Sunday, and the main impact will be gusty winds. The weather service warned residents that, with predominantly dry weather and gusty winds, small fires will be easier to start. Caution should be taken if burning outdoors.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects and bring down tree limbs. There could also be a few power outages, according to the weather service. Driving conditions could be difficult for small and high profile vehicles.
PG&E Storm Safety Tips:
Drive safely and look out for fallen tree limbs and other debris on the road.
Never touch downed wires and stay away. If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
Use battery-powered flashlights — not candles — due to the risk of fire. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades, animals and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
Have a backup phone that doesn’t require electricity to work, such as a standard telephone or cell phone.
Have fresh drinking water and ice. Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in a refrigerator or freezer during a power outage to prevent foods from spoiling. Blue Ice from your picnic cooler also works well in the freezer.
Secure outdoor furniture, lightweight yard structures and decorative lawn items, since they can be blown by high winds and damage overhead power lines and property.
Use properly installed electric generators safely in a well-ventilated area. If not, they can create significant danger for residents and crews working on power lines.
Unplug or turn off appliances in a power outage to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns and turn on appliances on one at a time.
Safely clean up after the storm has passed, be sure to safely clean up and always call 811 or visit 811express.com at least two full business days to to have all underground utilities safely marked before digging.
For more safety, visit pge.com/beprepared.
