(KMJ) – More than 1 million people are now without power during what Pacific Gas and Electric says could be the strongest wind event in California this year. As many as 361,000 of its customers in 36 counties are expected to be affected by planned outages in northern California and another 71,000 could be affected in Southern California.
PG&E shutoffs went into effect in parts of Fresno, Madera and Mariposa Counties Sunday night, affecting a combined 15,000 customers along Highways 41 and 49 near Mariposa, Oakhurst and Bass Lake, highway 168 near Shaver Lake, and homes northwest of Pine Flat Lake.
Customers had been sent text messages — and some received phone calls starting Friday– warning the shutoffs could be on the way.
PG&E’s website says, “No single factor drives a Public Safety Power Shutoff, as each situation is unique. PG&E carefully reviews a combination of many criteria when determining if power should be turned off for safety,”
Community resource centers have been set up at:
Sierra Oaks Senior Center in Tollhouse
Auberry Community Church in Auberry
North Fork Elementary School in North Fork
Yosemite High School in Oakhurst
These will provide Snacks and water, device charging, and small medical device charging.
