Powerful Storm Causes Widespread Outages in Sacramento Area
Severe Winds Lead to Disruption and Safety Concerns
A strong storm system has descended upon the Sacramento region, bringing with it powerful winds that have wreaked havoc. Wind gusts of up to 65 mph have been recorded, leading to dangerous driving conditions and numerous incidents of fallen trees and power lines. This has resulted in hundreds of thousands of residents in the Sacramento area losing power, with around 204,000 customers initially affected.
As of the latest update, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) reports that 84,662 customers are still without power, with 1,086 active outages. The situation is being closely monitored and addressed by SMUD, which has more than 80 crews working tirelessly to assess the damage, carry out repairs, and restore power. Unfortunately, repair efforts have been hampered due to the unsafe conditions caused by ongoing gusts of wind.
SMUD Outage Center Website Restored After Temporary Outage
During the storm, the SMUD Outage Center website experienced a temporary outage around 4:15 pm. However, customers were still able to access outage information through the SMUD App. Thankfully, the website was restored at approximately 9:30 pm, allowing customers to receive comprehensive updates on the power restoration efforts.
Significant Damage and Expected Growth in Outages
SMUD has reported more than 60 instances of downed power lines, several toppled power poles, and numerous trees affecting equipment. These numbers are anticipated to increase as the assessment continues. The utility company remains committed to working round the clock to ensure the affected areas are safe and power is restored. However, some outages are expected to persist overnight, and SMUD is actively notifying affected customers of the situation.
Stay Safe and Report Any Hazards
SMUD emphasizes the importance of public safety and urges citizens to exercise caution. In the event of a downed power line, it is crucial to stay clear and avoid contact. Instead, both the SMUD emergency hotline at 1-888-456-SMUD (7683) and 911 should be contacted immediately. Furthermore, fallen debris near power lines poses an additional electric shock risk, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant and stay safe.
Collaborative Efforts Needed to Tackle Widespread Outages
PG&E’s outage map indicates that tens of thousands of additional customers are also experiencing power outages. Those in affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions such as keeping flashlights handy and ensuring their electronic devices are charged. Special attention should be paid to the possibility of fallen trees causing hazardous driving conditions.
As the catastrophic storm progresses, it is crucial to remain updated with the latest information and instructions provided by local authorities. By following safety guidelines and cooperating with utility companies, we can minimize the disruptions caused by this severe weather event.
