Current:Home > FinanceFire weather conditions expected in parts of Northern California. PG&E says power cuts are possible -WealthSphere Pro
Fire weather conditions expected in parts of Northern California. PG&E says power cuts are possible
View
Date:2025-04-28 00:46:54
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Critical fire weather conditions were expected to develop in the interior of Northern California, forecasters said Tuesday, and a utility announced possible power cuts to parts of eight counties to prevent ignitions if wires are downed or damaged.
Red flag warnings for fire danger were to take effect from 11 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday evening in much of the Sacramento Valley and in portions of adjacent Lake County due to gusty northerly winds and low humidity, the National Weather Service.
Pacific Gas & Electric said potential public safety power shutoffs starting at 3 a.m. Wednesday could affect up to 8,500 customers, mostly on the west side of the Sacramento Valley.
The shutoffs are intended to prevent fires from starting when power lines are downed by winds or struck by falling trees or windblown debris. Such fires have caused extensive destruction and deaths in California, but shutoffs have also drawn fierce criticism.
The issue has surfaced in Hawaii after the deadly fire that destroyed the Maui community of Lahaina. Maui County claims Hawaiian Electric Company negligently failed to cut power despite high winds and dry conditions. The utility acknowledges its lines started the fire but faults county firefighters for declaring the blaze contained and leaving the scene.
California has so far avoided widespread wildfires this year following an extraordinarily wet winter and cool spring that melted the mountain snowpack slowly. Downpours from recent Tropical Storm Hilary further dampened much of the southern half of the state.
Major fires have been limited to the southeastern desert and the lightly populated far northwest near the Oregon border where lightning ignited many fires this month. The largest group, the Smith River Complex, has scorched more than 115 square miles (298 square kilometers).
veryGood! (864)
Related
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Kevin Costner breaks silence on 'Yellowstone' feud, says he fought for return to hit series
- Horoscopes Today, September 1, 2023
- North Korea says latest missile tests simulated scorched earth nuclear strikes on South Korea
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Jimmy Buffett’s laid-back party vibe created adoring ‘Parrotheads’ and success beyond music
- Former prosecutor who resigned from Russia probe investigation tapped for state Supreme Court post
- These 30 Fascinating Facts About Miley Cyrus Can't Be Tamed
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Which stores are open — and closed — on Labor Day
Ranking
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Suspect arrested after break-in at home of UFC president Dana White
- Teen Mom's Leah Messer Reveals Daughter Ali's Progress 9 Years After Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosis
- Carlee Russell’s Ex-Boyfriend Thomar Latrell Simmons Gives Tell-All on Abduction Hoax
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Bob Barker to be honored with hour-long CBS special following The Price is Right legend's death
- Daylight savings ends in November. Why is it still around?
- Daylight savings ends in November. Why is it still around?
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
DeSantis’ redistricting map in Florida is unconstitutional and must be redrawn, judge says
Hurricane Idalia floodwaters cause Tesla to combust: What to know about flooded EV fires
Dying and disabled Illinois prisoners kept behind bars, despite new medical release law
Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
Russia says it thwarted attacks on Crimea bridge, which was briefly closed for a third time
Civil rights group wants independent probe into the record number of deaths in Alaska prisons
Penn Badgley Reunites With Gossip Girl Sister Taylor Momsen