As Southern California faces the season’s first Santa Ana wind event, Southern California Edison has implemented power shutoffs to prevent wildfires sparked by high winds, dry conditions, and extreme heat
Southern California is currently facing its first round this fall of Santa Ana winds.
Bringing with it extreme heat and dry conditions, which increases the risk of wildfires and is leading to Public Safety Power Shutoffs for thousands of residents on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, lasting through 6 p.m., due to a combination of high winds and temperatures, and low humidity. The NWS warned that new fires could spread quickly in these conditions, with “extreme fire behavior” expected.
The Santa Ana winds are bringing gusts up to 45 mph in the Santa Susana Mountains, while temperatures in Riverside and San Bernardino counties are forecasted to hit somewhere in the 90s. Heat advisories are also in effect across the region, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.
In response to these weather conditions, Southern California Edison (SCE) has already cut power to certain areas to reduce the risk of fires caused by wind-traveling debris and potentially striking a power line.
The NWS put out a statement recommending that residents “use extreme caution with any potential ignition source,” to help prevent any start of a wildfire.
As of Wednesday morning, 62 customers in Los Angeles County, 9 customers in Riverside County, 586 customers in San Bernardino County, and 1,494 customers in Ventura County were affected by the Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
Winds are expected to ease later in the day, with cooler temperatures on their way later this week.
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SCE is monitoring the situation, with over 22,000 additional customers potentially facing a shutoff. They also uploaded to their social media their advice to stay prepared during these windy conditions.