Ahead of a strong winter storm expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and low-elevation snow, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. reports that crews are readying to respond to expected power outages.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning — rare for California — which runs from Thursday to Sunday. A social media post from the NWS’ Sacramento Office makes the potential severity quite clear: “Blizzard warning! Driving conditions will deteriorate rapidly Friday-Saturday AM with white-out conditions & near-zero visibility from this dangerous winter storm. AVOID TRAVEL DURING THIS TIME!”
Starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend, the storm is expected to have a heavy impact in Sierra Nevada foothill and mountain communities, according to PG&E meteorologists.
An initial wave of moderate to heavy rain and gusty winds was expected in the northern part of PG&E’s service territory during the day Thursday, with more widespread rain and gusty conditions on Friday. Low- and middle-elevation snow impacts are expected Saturday into Sunday, with several feet of snow above 5,000 feet and 6 to 12 inches possible down to 2,000 feet.
In previous winter storms where high accumulations of low snow have occurred, some customers have experience extended outages as PG&E crews often have difficulty accessing more remote locations in higher terrain due to roads blocked by trees, debris and snow. PG&E is prestaging crews and materials and is prepared to use helicopters, snow cats and four-wheel drive to gain access to hard hit areas; however, customers in remote areas should prepare for extended outages given the unique circumstances of this storm.
The utility also has been communicating with cities and counties to share preparation and plans.
Storm safety tips
Just as PG&E follows its plan to prepare for and respond to a storm, customers are urged to prepare their families and neighbors as well. Here are some storm safety tips:
- Never touch downed wires. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
- For safety of customers and utility crews, generators should be properly installed and used only in well-ventilated areas.
- Due to risk of fire, use flashlights, not candles.
- Have a standard phone or cellular phone that does not require electricity to operate. A portable charging device helps keep cell phones charged during an outage.
- Plastic containers filled with water and frozen can provide blocks of ice to prevent food spoilage and provide drinking water during an outage.
- Secure your outside furniture so it doesn’t blow into powerlines.
- Turn off appliances during an outage, leaving a single lamp on to signal the return of power.
- Safely clean up after a storm has passed. Call 811 or visit 811express.com at least two full business days before digging to have all underground utilities safely marked.
Faster online outage information
If an outage does occur, PG&E’s online outage center has been updated and improved based on customer feedback. Significant changes include the following:
- Faster loading times to find important outage information.
- An outage status tracker so customers can get status updates on the assessment and repair of their outage.
- More local information on the extent of outages around a customer’s home and business.
- More information on how to prepare ahead of outages, what causes outages and how PG&E prioritizes restoration work.
PG&E will let customers know the cause of an outage, when crews are on their way, the estimated restoration time and when power has been restored.
If receiving an outage text, customers can reply “status” to learn the latest information on the outage without visiting the outage page.
Other tips can be found online on these topics: safety and preparedness, storm safety and PG&E’s Safety Action Center.
Information submitted by Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
