Southern California utilities warned Tuesday that they may cut power to more than 300,000 customers as dry, gusty weather raises the threat of wildfire dangers in the region.
The National Weather Service said there are “critical fire conditions" because of Santa Ana winds, low humidity and parched grass, trees and brush. Red flag conditions of extreme fire danger are expected in many areas beginning Wednesday night and could last into Saturday evening, especially in valleys and mountains, forecasters said. Winds could reach 50 mph, which could knock down trees and power lines, the weather service said.
Concerns that debris could hit electrical equipment or bring down lines and spark wildfires prompted Southern California Edison to warn that it is considering shutting off power to nearly 237,000 customers as a precaution during the windy period. Some outages could begin Wednesday night or Thursday and last into Saturday, the utility said.