‘Significant’ wind gusts prompt North Bay blackouts starting Monday night

Tens of thousands of PG&E customers may be affected by a Public Safety Power Shutoff in parts of the North Bay starting Monday night, PG&E officials said.

Forecasted gusty winds and dry conditions are at least partly behind the shutoff, which will affect 22 counties in the state.

Winds could gust to 50 mph and higher in some areas, PG&E’s Scott Strenfel said in a briefing Monday evening:

“This will be a significant event.”

In parts of Napa County, the shutoff is expected to start at 11 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Areas that could be impacted include Deer Park, Angwin, Calistoga, Aetna Springs, Berryessa Estates, the eastern slopes above St. Helena, and parts of Pope Valley, Napa County emergency officials said.

The city of Napa, Yountville and American Canyon are expected to retain their power, emergency officials said.

In Sonoma County, more than 17,000 PG&E customers are likely to lose their power with some losing it as early as 9 p.m. Monday, the utility’s officials said. Power is expected to be restored by 9 p.m. Wednesday.

About 15,000 customers in Santa Rosa and about 2,600 in unincorporated Sonoma County may have their power turned off.

No other customers in the Bay Area are expected to lose power.

Customers can go to www.pge.com/pspsupdates to check to see if they will lose power.

The utility’s website will also have the locations of community resource centers where residents can go during the day to use the restroom, wash hands, charge medical equipment and other electronics, access Wi-Fi, and get water and snacks.

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