SCE warns of possible outage in Desert Hot Springs area Wednesday
Southern California Edison has messaged Desert Hot Springs customers informing them to be prepared as there may potentially be a Public Safety Power Shutoff of electrical lines in the area Wednesday.
Clearer version of the outage map
In a message sent to customers who will be affected across Southern California, SCE wrote that the reason for the shutoff is due to “forecast fire weather conditions.”
SCE anticipates that the weather conditions will occur on Wednesday, however, “it may occur earlier or later depending on actual weather conditions depending on actual weather conditions.”
As News Channel 3’s First Alert Chief Meteorologist Haley Clawson said in her forecast, a Red Flag Warning will go into effect early Thursday morning for gusty winds and extremely dry conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, a Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
The reduced humidity (5-10%) and gusty winds (up to 70 MPH) are elevating the risk of wildfires in Southern California, which is why PG&E and SCE are considering power shutoffs for various customers across the state.
If there is a power shutoff tomorrow in the Desert Hot Springs/North Palm Springs area, a timetable for when to expect it has not been posted at this time.
Other nearby cities listed for possible shutoffs include Whitewater, Banning, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Beaumont, and Cabazon.
Full list of cities that may have a shutoff across Southern California
SCE encourages customers to prepare by having an outage plan and emergency kit. According to SCE, an outage supply kit should include:
First aid kit including your family’s medications (check periodically to ensure they’re not expired)
Special-needs items for infants, the elderly, and family members with disabilities
Battery-powered radio to listen to news reports
Extra batteries
Bottled water – at least a gallon per person for each day
Non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking
Manual can opener
Coolers and ice chests
Landline phone with cord (not cordless)
Flashlight
Click here for more information on preparing for a major outage at work or at home.
KESQ 2019
