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
Potential Tropical Cyclone Six Could Become Hurricane Francine

Potential Tropical Cyclone Six Could Become Hurricane Francine

GULF COAST - The National Hurricane Center st

9 Sep 2024 3:00 AM
Front Stalls in the Northern Gulf, Scattered Downpours Expected

Front Stalls in the Northern Gulf, Scattered Downpours Expected

You'll have to dodge some late weekend and wo

8 Sep 2024 10:05 PM
Blistering Heat for the Southwest

Blistering Heat for the Southwest

Dangerous heat continues to impact the Wester

8 Sep 2024 8:35 PM
Four Different Areas to Monitor in the Atlantic and Pacific

Four Different Areas to Monitor in the Atlantic and Pacific

As we approach the climatological peak of the

8 Sep 2024 8:30 PM
Chilly Air Spurs Severe Threat in the Northeast

Chilly Air Spurs Severe Threat in the Northeast

RECORD COLD - Cool overnights are upcoming as

8 Sep 2024 7:00 PM
Getting You Ready for Fall Foliage 2024

Getting You Ready for Fall Foliage 2024

Pumpkin spice lattes are back at coffee shops

8 Sep 2024 7:00 AM
It's Meteorological Fall! Here's the Outlook

It's Meteorological Fall! Here's the Outlook

Our weather seasons are broken up a little bi

8 Sep 2024 7:00 AM