Placer County faces potential safety power shutoffs due to wind gusts
Placer County faces potential safety power shutoffs starting Wednesday night, as gusty winds increase wildfire danger from Weimar up to Soda Springs.
A public safety power shutoff may occur in parts of Placer County due to strong wind gusts. The precautionary electricity cuts could begin Wednesday night and last through Saturday morning if conditions require them.
Strong winds could trigger outages across communities stretching from Weimar up to Soda Springs. PG&E is tracking the windy conditions, according to a news release. The utility said the shutoffs could start Wednesday, Oct. 14, between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Service could stay off until Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. if necessary.
Weather conditions may shift the final boundaries. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office said changing weather could add or remove affected communities.
The utility alert system will send notices directly to local customers in the outage zones. Residents can register for warning notices on the PG&E website. A map detailing the potential service disruptions is also available online.
Public safety shutoffs cut electricity to high-risk power lines during dry, gusty weather to lower fire hazards. Utility operators monitor local wind speeds before deciding to turn off the power. Crews inspect the electrical lines for damage before restoring electric service.
County emergency officials continue to monitor forecasts throughout the foothills and mountains of Placer County.
