PG&E warns of power outages during weekend storm

Meteorologists are forecasting a significant weather system this weekend that could bring rain, gusty winds, heavy snow and the possibility of thunderstorms.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers can view real-time outage information on the outage center website.

Additionally, customers can sign up for outage notifications by text, email or phone.

PG&E meteorologists, along with experts from the National Weather Service, forecast that a potent storm system is expected to arrive in our service area overnight Friday before moving southward Saturday.

This weather system is expected to produce rain, heavy at times, strong gusty winds, and heavy mountain snow across the Sierra. The strong winds in the 40-50 mph range may be widespread with gusts in excess of 50-55 mph possible for the northern areas, coastal strip north of Monterey, and across the northern San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys.

“We are actively tracking the weather around the clock and supporting our local Electric Operations crews who are at the ready to respond to outage activity as quickly as possible,” said Evan Duffey, a PG&E meteorologist. “We urge customers to pay close attention to the weather, as well as having an emergency plan in place to prepare for outages.”

The utility has activated its companywide Emergency Operations Center to more efficiently allocate crews, materials and other resources for restoration efforts across its service area.

A meteorology team uses a Storm Outage Prediction Model that  enables PG&E to pre-stage crews and equipment, such as power poles, powerlines, and transformers, as storms approach to enable rapid response to outages.

Other tips can be found at: Safety and Preparedness, Storm Safety, and Safety Action Center