Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is warning that public safety power shutoffs may affect nearly 5,000 customers across parts of nine California counties as dry, windy conditions raise the risk of wildfire. The utility said outages could occur Wednesday and Thursday in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Sutter, Tehama and Yolo counties. As of Wednesday afternoon, shutoffs were already showing on PG&E’s outage map in Glenn and Colusa counties.
The outages are being carried out under PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program, which allows the utility to temporarily cut electricity in high-risk areas when weather conditions could make power lines or other equipment a fire hazard. PG&E said the decision is tied to the combination of strong north winds and dry conditions, which can increase the chance that downed lines or equipment could spark vegetation fires.
Weather forecasters said the strongest winds are expected along and west of Interstate 5, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph through Thursday in areas including Woodland, Davis and Marysville. Those winds are expected to continue elevating fire danger across the region, prompting the precautionary shutoffs and increased emergency readiness.
State officials are also preparing for possible fire activity. Cal OES is pre-positioning equipment and crews in the affected counties to help respond faster if any fires break out. In addition, Napa and Sonoma counties are under watch, meaning shutoffs are possible there as well, though not guaranteed.
PG&E said residents in affected areas should monitor the utility’s live outage map for updates on where shutoffs are underway and where they may be expanded. The company also said community resource centers may be available in some areas to provide snacks, air conditioning, ice, and device charging during outages.
The power shutoffs are part of PG&E’s broader wildfire prevention strategy, used in recent years when weather conditions create a heightened risk that utility equipment could contribute to a fire. By cutting power in advance, the company aims to reduce the chance of ignition during periods of strong winds and low humidity.
Residents in the impacted counties are being urged to stay alert for changing conditions as the weather event continues into Thursday and to prepare for the possibility of extended outages in some communities.
