Power Shutoffs Loom as San Diego County Faces Dangerous Weather Conditions

As San Diego County is hit with a powerful heatwave and strong Santa Ana winds, the threat of wildfires grows, prompting power shutoffs that will affect nearly 14,000 homes and businesses. A red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service, which will remain in effect until 5 pm in the mountains and valleys.

With expected winds of 25 – 35 mph and gusts of 65+ mph in the mountains, dry areas with high temperatures are at extreme risk of wildfire. The strong winds have prompted San Diego Gas & Electric to notify roughly 42,000 customers that potential power shutoffs could take place. This has already been the case for customers in Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Cuyamaca, Descanso, Dulzura, Poway, East Valley Center, Guatay, Jacumba, Julian, Pauma Valley/Cuca Ranch, Pine Valley, Potrero, Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Lake Wohlford, Bear Valley, Skyline Ranch, Rincon, La Jolla Indian Reservation, Hellhole Canyon, and Viejas.

Other areas under consideration for shutoffs include: Barona, Barrett Lake, Black Mountain Ranch, Coronado Hills, Elfin Forest, Lake Hodges, Mesa Grande, Mount Laguna, Olivenhain, Palomar Mountain, Rancho Bernardo West, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Shelter Valley, and Warner Springs.

Currently, SDG&E is estimating the power will be restored to all affected communities by 6 pm on Saturday. In the meantime, residents of these areas are welcome to utilize community resource centers operated by SDG&E, where residents will be able to receive water, snacks, and use on-site charging stations.

Centers will be located at the following locations: 

• Descanso Branch Library: 9545 River Drive, Descanso
• Whispering Winds Catholic Camp: 17606 Harrison Park Road, Julian
• Pine Valley Improvement Club: 28890 Old Highway 80, Pine Valley
• Potrero Community Center: 24550 Hwy 94, Potrero
• Dulzura Community Center: 1136 Community Building Road, Dulzura
• Warner Springs Resource Center: 30950 CA-79, Warner Springs
• Ramona Branch Library: 1275 Main Street, Ramona
• Valley Center Branch Library: 29200 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center

Already, there has been a handful of fires spring up around San Diego County. A brush fire ignited off State Route 94 in Golden Hill, prompting evacuations and the closure of freeway lanes. Residents of the Golden Glen apartment complex were evacuated as crews battled the blaze. Another small brush fire erupted in San Marcos early this morning, which was promptly put out by firefighters before it grew too large.