California
Related: About this forumIt's on: PG&E is going dark early Wednesday morning (and adding more counties)
As a precautionary measure to reduce wildfire risk during the forecasted severe wind event, PG&E confirmed that it will implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in portions of 34 northern, central and coastal counties, affecting electric service for nearly 800,000 customers.
PG&E expects to begin turning off power in some areas early Wednesday, just after midnight. The power will be turned off to communities in stages, depending on local timing of the severe wind conditions, beginning with counties in the northern part of the state.
SNIP
It is very possible that customers may be affected by a power shutoff even though they are not experiencing extreme weather conditions in their specific location. This is because the electric system relies on power lines working together to provide electricity across cities, counties and regions.
Portions of Kern, Humboldt, Trinity and Marin counties have been added to the potential scope of this PSPS, in addition to the 30 counties identified Monday. Customers can find the full list of impacted counties, cities and communities at www.pge.com/pspsupdates.
Overall, based on the latest weather forecasts and models, PG&E anticipates that this weather event will last through midday Thursday, with peak winds forecasted from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning and reaching 40 to 55 mph, with isolated gusts up to 60 to 70 mph.
https://www.pgecurrents.com/2019/10/08/pge-will-proactively-turn-off-power-for-safety-to-nearly-800000-customers-across-northern-and-central-california/?fbclid=IwAR0RjF_mnBINPOV3hOBjRk-gGfcJIsxLq-kwtRZ15sswrWsgPO3dOvtwD0g
On edit: Should I say "It's off?"
California_Republic
(1,826 posts)Like the rest of the world
BigmanPigman
(51,591 posts)dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)If an earthquake is big enough to damage underground utilities ( think gas) then it is powerful enough to topple a few light poles.
BigmanPigman
(51,591 posts)half a dozen of another. After Hurricane Sandy devastated the southern part of Manhattan in NYC the underground stuff was effected and the thought of putting lines above ground came up again. I saw on a PBS story about NYC that the lines were above ground but the elements damaged them too easily and they were put underground (the heavy weight of snow on the lines as well as getting blown over by strong winds was a constant problem which led to underground wires).
AllaN01Bear
(18,216 posts)Blue Streak Science
(32 posts)If a fire does happen to rip through a neighborhood there's a good chance the underground power lines will have to be replaced afterwards.
Mr.Bill
(24,291 posts)Most of the marijuana has already been harvested.
wryter2000
(46,045 posts)So, even parts of Oakland are a risk for wildfires.
Now, I live in the flatlands. No risk here of fire. I hope the power stays on.
Blue Streak Science
(32 posts)I live in the flatlands. My neighborhood of about 1,500 homes was incinerated in 2017. Flat lands are better, but there's no guarantee any more.
wryter2000
(46,045 posts)OMG that looked like it was out of a movie.
Blue Streak Science
(32 posts)Two years ago today we woke up and had to run for our lives in Coffey Park, on the Santa Rosa Plain. We saved ourselves, our dog, two cars, one computer and two ipads...virtually everything I could carry out the door. We rebuilt and have been back home for 11 months.
wryter2000
(46,045 posts)Glad youre back home.
My power is now out even though the humidity here is 23% and the wind is 6 miles per hour. Eff PG&E
intrepidity
(7,296 posts)Security systems off and announced in advance? Of a HUGE area, not just a couple neighborhoods.
I get the reason, but will be shocked if there aren't massive numbers of burglaries!
Auggie
(31,169 posts)Im sure Trump will try to steal something.
Blue Streak Science
(32 posts)Our solar power keeps us in the light and our security on even during outages...even at night. Hopefully this may prompt more people to go solar.