SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Strong winds and heavy rain and snow have caused widespread power outages across Northern California, affecting more than 312,000 customers. The numbers continue to rise as the powerful winds persist, with Sacramento alone reporting over 75,000 customers without power and 24,000 in Solano.
Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn described the impact of the winds, with peak gusts reaching up to 62mph at Mather Airport. The gusts have caused significant damage and disruptions, with wind gusts ranging from 37mph in Placerville to 56mph in Fairfield. The situation remains dynamic and potentially dangerous, as the winds are expected to continue throughout the day.
In Sacramento County, more than 61,000 SMUD customers have been affected by the outages, with specific areas such as Arden-Arcade, South Sacramento, Carmichael, and downtown Sacramento bearing the brunt of the power loss. The strong winds, with gusts of at least 48mph, have also led to reports of downed power lines and pose a risk of further damage.
Meteorologist Heather Waldman warned that the strongest winds would continue to spread north into Sacramento and east into the Foothills, with gusts of 50mph or more expected for several hours. The potential for power outages, limb, and tree damage remains high, prompting authorities to urge residents to take precautions.
As the situation unfolds, Sacramento County has activated respite centers to assist affected residents, while urging donations to support those in need. The authorities are closely monitoring the evolving weather conditions and their impact on the already vulnerable power infrastructure.
As the state grapples with the widespread power outages, the impending storm is prompting Californians to prepare for potential disruptions. The forecast indicates that the damaging wind threat will gradually subside late Sunday evening, but the aftermath of the storm continues to pose challenges across the region. Follow local weather updates and take necessary safety precautions to stay informed and protected during this period.