A forecast of high winds and fire danger may prompt PG&E to implement a power shutoff event over the next 48 to 72 hours in select areas of San Mateo County, as roughly shown in the map.
Redwood City and San Carlos are not projected to be impacted.
The power shutoff would impact about 209,000 customers in portions of 15 counties in the Sierra Foothills and the North Bay, according to PG&E, which began notifying customers vie text, email and automated call Monday afternoon.
Weather models show “potential strong and dry offshore wind gusts that may exceed 55 mph late Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon for portions of the Sierra Foothills,” according to PG&E, adding that gusts of 35-45 mph have been forecast for some North Bay counties, with some localized areas expected to experience 55 mph gusts.
“The sole purpose of a PSPS event is to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire ignitions,” PG&E said in a statement. “Windy conditions, like those being forecast later in the week, increase the potential for damage and hazards to the electric infrastructure, which could cause sparks if lines are energized. These conditions also increase the potential for rapid fire spread.”
For more information and updates, visit the PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff site here.
