California Faces Power Outage Risk as Dry Winds Fan Fire Threat
(Bloomberg) -- PG&E Corp. is warning that it may shut off power for some California residents as windy weather sweeps through in coming days.
Humidity will drop Saturday and Sunday as winds gust up to 50 miles per hour (80 kph) in California’s Central Valley, where red flag fire warnings have been issued, said Marc Chenard, a senior branch forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center. In areas between the cities of Fresno and Bakersfield, the winds may reach 70 mph.
“It looks like the worst of it should be through the weekend,” said Chenard.
Utilities across the West often cut power when dry winds threaten to topple electricity lines and other gear that could spark wildfires. Such measures are intended to limit fire risks and any potential financial liabilities. Proactive power shutoffs could range from 18 hours to several days, according to PG&E.
The warning involves seven California counties, including Napa, PG&E said on its website on Friday.
PG&E and subsidiary Pacific Gas & Electric were driven into bankruptcy in 2019 because of wildfire liabilities. They emerged from Chapter 11 protection about 17 months later.
©2026 Bloomberg L.P.
