A few days after a major power outage affected San Francisco, the city's Department of Emergency Management has issued a high wind warning that could lead to further power disruptions. The National Weather Service issued the warning on Tuesday, December 23, effective from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24.
According to The Bee, the alert was announced for the North Bay Interior Mountains, North Bay Interior Valleys, San Francisco Bay Shoreline, East Bay Interior Valleys, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Clara Valley including San Jose, Eastern Santa Clara Hills and East Bay Hills, and Monterey County.
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management wrote on X, “High Wind Warning in effect for San Francisco from 4PM today - 4AM tomorrow (Wednesday). Storms like this could disrupt power. Charge phones, have flashlights ready, and plan for medical needs. Secure loose items and windows, and plan extra time for travel. Avoid walking near trees, especially in parks.”
"Damaging winds could down trees, snap power lines, and result in property damage. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be extremely difficult and hazardous, especially for high profile vehicles," it added. "People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind."
The San Francisco power outage
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) confirmed that power has been fully restored to all San Francisco customers following a substation fire that left around 130,000 without electricity. By 4:31 a.m. Tuesday, the final 3,800 homes had their power back. Despite this, the city is now on alert for another possible disruption as a high wind warning is issued, with strong gusts expected to cause damage and power outages. Residents are advised to secure loose objects, stay sheltered, and drive cautiously.