Current:Home > InvestFire weather conditions expected in parts of Northern California. PG&E says power cuts are possible-InfoLens
Fire weather conditions expected in parts of Northern California. PG&E says power cuts are possible
View Date:2024-12-23 14:43:36
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! (3)
Related
- Francesca Farago Details Health Complications That Led to Emergency C-Section of Twins
- Georgia Senate passes bill to loosen health permit rules, as Democrats again push Medicaid
- 3 Missouri men charged with federal firearms counts after Super Bowl victory parade shooting
- Mega Millions jackpot closing in on $800 million: What to know about the next lottery drawing
- MVSU football player killed, driver injured in crash after police chase
- Ancient statue unearthed during parking lot construction: A complete mystery
- Watch video of tornado in Northeast Kansas as severe storms swept through region Wednesday
- A Mississippi police officer made an arrested man lick urine off jail floor, court document says
- US Diplomats Notch a Win on Climate Super Pollutants With Help From the Private Sector
- Elon Musk Spotted on Rare Father-Son Outing With His and Grimes’ Son X Æ A-XII
Ranking
- Democrat Cleo Fields wins re-drawn Louisiana congressional district, flipping red seat blue
- Powerball jackpot hits $600 million. Could just one common number help you win 3/16/24?
- ‘Manhunt,’ about hunt for John Wilkes Booth, may make you wish you paid attention in history class
- Cashews sold by Walmart in 30 states and online recalled due to allergens
- A $1 billion proposal is the latest plan to refurbish and save the iconic Houston Astrodome
- Key moments surrounding the Michigan high school shooting in 2021
- Gwyneth Paltrow swears this form of meditation changed her life. So I tried it with her.
- What is a 'flat white'? Today's Google Doodle celebrates the coffee beverage
Recommendation
-
John Krasinski is People's Sexiest Man Alive. What that says about us.
-
Oil tanks catch fire at quarry in Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC
-
Prince William Praises Kate Middleton's Artistic Skills Amid Photoshop Fail
-
Kentucky governor ready to campaign against school choice measure if it reaches fall ballot
-
SNL's Chloe Fineman Says Rude Elon Musk Made Her Burst Into Tears as Show Host
-
These Crazy-Good Walmart Flash Deals Are Better Than Any Black Friday Sale, But They End Tomorrow
-
Esa-Pekka Salonen to leave San Francisco Symphony, citing dispute with orchestra’s board
-
Steven Mnuchin wants to buy TikTok: Former Treasury Secretary says he's gathering investors