Updated as of Dec. 15, 1:30 p.m.
As of 1 p.m. today, all customers who were de-energized for public safety have been restored.
As wind speeds subsided and the Red Flag Warning expired at 10 a.m., crews patrolled power lines to ensure the safety of the system before restoring power.
We understand losing power is incredibly inconvenient. We sincerely apologize for any negative impacts these power outages may have caused our customers and appreciate their patience during extreme weather conditions.
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Updated as of Dec. 15, 7:30 a.m.
A moderate to strong Santa Ana wind event with dry conditions is underway in select areas of the region, creating the potential for dangerous fire conditions.
As of 2:30 a.m. this morning, SDG&E de-energized approximately 650 customers due to safety concerns in areas that are experiencing the strongest wind gusts in our territory. The areas impacted include portions of Sill Hill, which is just north of Descanso, Lucky Five Ranch, Crestwood and La Posta.
Locally gusty winds have been between 51 and 54 mph, with the highest gust at 63 mph.
SDG&E proactively called approximately 12,000 customers last night in potentially affected areas to alert them of the possibility of power outages related to high winds and fire potential and reminding them to be prepared to activate their personal emergency plan.
Current conditions indicate it is possible power may be safely restored later today, following ground and aerial line inspections.
A Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service is expected to expire at 10 a.m. this morning.
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Updated as of Dec. 14, 11 a.m.
Localized gusty winds, low humidity prompt Red Flag Warning, Dec. 14–15
The National Weather Service has issued another Red Flag Warning through 10 a.m., Friday, December 15, due to gusty winds forecasted in isolated pockets of the region.
It is possible that wind gusts up to 75 mph will affect places like Sill Hill, just north of Descanso, and parts of Northeast San Diego County. Inland Orange County and the San Diego valleys and mountains are forecast to see some of the strongest winds.
In response, we proactively called customers in affected areas last night to alert them of the possibility of power outages related to high winds and extreme fire potential. Customers who live in wind-prone areas are reminded to be prepared to activate their personal emergency plans and to monitor sdgeweather.com for real-time updates on conditions.
We understand losing power is incredibly inconvenient. We only turn off power as a last resort to protect public safety.
What We’re Doing
We have activated our Emergency Operations Center and staffed it with key personnel to monitor weather conditions throughout the duration of the event, especially the wind speeds in the high fire risk areas of the county.
Additionally, we have stationed crews around the valleys and mountain areas to provide real-time field observations. The Aircrane helitanker is on standby to respond to a fire if called. We proactively secured the return of this asset to our region last week, as it has proven to be successful in the past.
How You Can Prepare
Because power outages are more likely during windy conditions, we are encouraging customers to be prepared with the following items:
- Battery-powered emergency lighting (or flashlights, at a minimum)
- A portable or battery-powered radio
- A wind-up or battery-powered clock
- Water and nonperishable foods
- Animal and pet food
- A first aid kit
- A cellphone with a portable charging device
- Gas for generators
We are reminding customers to always be aware of the potential for downed power lines due to the winds. Never touch a downed power line and assume that all electrical lines are energized at all times. Call 911 or SDG&E at 800-411-7343 to report a downed power line.
Everyone is also encouraged to avoid certain activities which can spark fires. Read more here.