PG&E Warns Power Shutoffs In Napa County

NAPA VALLEY, CA — A wave of dry, gusty winds sweeping across Northern California has prompted Pacific Gas and Electric Company to warn that it may shut off electricity in parts of Napa, Sonoma, and neighboring counties beginning this weekend.

PG&E said it continues to track shifting weather conditions but has not yet announced outages.

Wind-driven fire danger is driving the alert, as forecasters flag dry vegetation and strong gusts that could increase the risk of wildfires from electrical equipment.

Customers may keep power if conditions ease with a change in weather patterns.

The National Weather Service also announced "elevated fire weather conditions" until Monday, with low humidity and strong winds.

Wind gusts along the coastal regions could inch up to around the 40 to 45 m.p.h. (locally up to 50 m.p.h.) range, with gusts from 25 to 45 m.p.h. in areas.

The conditions could create hazardous marine conditions through the weekend, as well as downed trees, power outages, and difficult driving conditions for tall vehicles.