PG&E: Possible power shutoffs in 5 Bay Area counties

(KRON) – Dry weather conditions and strong winds could increase the risk of wildfires starting or spreading, prompting Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to announce a possible power shutdown across the Bay Area starting Thursday.

According to PG&E, the following Bay Area counties would be affected:

• Alameda
• Against Costa
• Napa
• Solano
• Sonoma

The shutdowns could affect thousands of customers, but the utility did not provide specific details on the number of customers. Specific addresses, maps and shutdown details are “typically available two days prior to the shutdown,” PG&E said.

PG&E told KRON4 they are tracking “strong winds” that meteorologists say could reach up to 70 miles per hour in parts of the utility's service areas. These winds and dry fuel moisture can contribute to fire weather.

According to PG&E, these possible shutdowns will last through Sunday. In total, around 20 counties around California will be affected. You can find the entire list here.

PG&E emphasized that this forecast is based only on weather conditions and fuel moisture content. “It is not a risk forecast,” said the energy supplier.