SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Tens of thousands are without electricity amid a Red Flag Warning for much of San Diego County.
But why do public utility companies like San Diego Gas & Electric implement power shutoffs during high wind events?
SDG&E says the precaution is to help prevent flying debris from coming into contact with power lines and potentially igniting a fire.
When it comes to SDG&E applying a public safety power shutoff, it is a process divided into six steps that is planned almost two weeks prior to the event:
- 7-10 days ahead
SDG&E monitors the fire risk and potential impacts when forecasts show the potential for dangerous conditions.
- 3-6 days ahead
SDG&E refines weather forecast and wildfire potential accordingly.
- 2 days ahead
SDG&E begins letting customers know about possible impacted areas, including critical facilities and medical baseline customers, as well as State, County and City government agencies.
- 1 day ahead
SDG&E monitors weather conditions while communicating with affected communities and coordinating with first responders and public safety agencies.
- Day of power shutoff
SDG&E notifies affected communities, government and public safety agencies that power has been shut off.
- Power restored
SDG&E will start to restore power once weather conditions are safe. Crews then inspect overhead power lines to make sure there are no damages from high winds and that they are safe to operate.
NWS issues Red Flag Warnings when conditions are expected to create an increased risk for fire danger.
Wildlife conditions include critically low vegetation moisture due to lack of rain, which are made more vulnerable by high winds the last 24 hours; single-digit humidity levels across the service area; and wide-spread wind gusts in excess of 60-70 mph, per SDG&E.
For more information on power outages, visit SDGE’s outage map.
