Southern California Shuts Off Power Amid High Fire Concerns

news image
Special Stories
15 Oct 2018 8:14 AM
Strong Santa Ana Winds are moving into parts of Southern California for today. High Wind Alerts are in effect until later this afternoon as winds gusts are expected in some areas near 75 mph. Santa Ana Winds are dry and warm and lead to high fire danger. Santa Ana Winds this strong are likely to yield power poles to buckle which could lead to fires sparking as power lines come loose. As a result,  Southern California Edison is looking at the unprecedented step of shutting off power for today. In recent years, power equipment has been blamed for setting off wildfires that spread quickly among the same type of dry, windy conditions expected today and overnight Monday. The company is facing lawsuits over allegations its equipment was involved in starting the massive Thomas Fire which went down as the largest in the state's history nearly one year ago this December. According to recent reports, SoCal Edison has launched a new program called "Public Safety Power Shutoff" that allows the power company to proactively turn off power in areas where the winds could be strongest. Today could be the first time this new program is put into action. The company has sent out alerts notifying customers in 41 cities in Southern California spread throughout four counties - Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Bernardino - that power could possibly be turned off on Monday as Santa Ana Winds become very strong threatening power lines. The company urges residents to understand that this potential power shut off is only temporary and to preemptively avoid any fires that could spark. Meteorologist Merry Matthews
All Weather News
More
Catastrophic Flooding Likely for the Midsouth

Catastrophic Flooding Likely for the Midsouth

Prolonged heavy rain is expected to continue

4 Apr 2025 12:40 AM
Severe Weather Outbreak Continues Into the Weekend

Severe Weather Outbreak Continues Into the Weekend

ABOVE: Video from Lake City, Arkansas, as a s

4 Apr 2025 12:35 AM
The Sierra Get April Snow Boost, Rockies Snow Through Saturday

The Sierra Get April Snow Boost, Rockies Snow Through Saturday

Snow for the Rockies home opener? How very Co

3 Apr 2025 9:55 PM
CSU, First 2025 Hurricane Season Forecast Above Average

CSU, First 2025 Hurricane Season Forecast Above Average

Today, meteorologists and research scientists

3 Apr 2025 9:25 PM
Severe Storms Leave Damage from the Midwest to the Deep South This Week

Severe Storms Leave Damage from the Midwest to the Deep South This Week

WEDNESDAYAnother round of storms tore through

2 Apr 2025 4:20 PM
Late Season Snow for the Plains and Midwest

Late Season Snow for the Plains and Midwest

NORTHERN U.S. - Winter Weather continue acros

2 Apr 2025 3:00 PM
Slight Risk For Severe Storms Overnight

Slight Risk For Severe Storms Overnight

All modes of severe weather were seen Monday

1 Apr 2025 2:55 AM