Current:Home > FinanceFire weather conditions expected in parts of Northern California. PG&E says power cuts are possible-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Fire weather conditions expected in parts of Northern California. PG&E says power cuts are possible
View Date:2024-12-24 02:27:10
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! (22434)
Related
- Ex-Duke star Kyle Singler draws concern from basketball world over cryptic Instagram post
- Trump-backed Mark Robinson wins North Carolina GOP primary for governor, CBS News projects
- Workplace safety regulator says management failed in fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin
- Kentucky Senate passes bill allowing parents to retroactively seek child support for pregnancy costs
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul press conference highlights: 'Problem Child' goads 'Iron Mike'
- Iowa Democrats to release results of 2024 presidential caucuses tonight
- Landon Barker reveals he has 'very minor' Tourette syndrome
- You’ll Adore Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine’s Steamy PDA in The Idea of You Trailer
- Oprah Winfrey denies being paid $1M for Kamala Harris rally: 'I was not paid a dime'
- US job openings stay steady at nearly 8.9 million in January, a sign labor market remains strong
Ranking
- Blake Snell free agent rumors: Best fits for two-time Cy Young winner
- Dartmouth men’s basketball team votes to unionize, though steps remain before forming labor union
- Married LGBTQ leaders were taking car for repairs before their arrest in Philadelphia traffic stop
- These Are 29 of the Most-Loved Dresses on Amazon
- Saks Fifth Avenue’s holiday light display in Manhattan changing up this season
- What does it take to be an astronaut? NASA is looking to select new recruits
- The Urban Aunt Home Aesthetic Combines Drama & Charm, Here’s How to Get the Vibe
- An $8 credit card late fee cap sounds good now, but it may hurt you later. Here's how.
Recommendation
-
Opinion: NFL began season with no Black offensive coordinators, first time since the 1980s
-
Jason Kelce makes good on promise to Bills fans by jumping through flaming table
-
Vice President Kamala Harris calls for Israel-Hamas war immediate cease-fire given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza
-
Shark suspected of biting 11-year-old girl at surf spot on Oahu, Hawaii beach, reports say
-
‘COP Fatigue’: Experts Warn That Size and Spectacle of Global Climate Summit Is Hindering Progress
-
Dan + Shay misses out on 'wonderful' country singer on 'The Voice': 'I'm kicking myself''
-
Suspected drug trafficker charged with killing 2 witnesses in Washington State
-
Nick Swardson escorted off stage during standup show, blames drinking and edibles