High Winds Prompt Power Shutoffs in Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — Southern California Edison (SCE) announced Monday that it may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) across parts of Riverside County as Santa Ana winds are forecast to reach speeds of up to 85 mph, with isolated gusts hitting 100 mph this week. The utility warned that the extreme winds, combined with dry conditions, could heighten the risk of wildfires, prompting precautionary measures.

“The incoming wind is predicted to be intense,” said Raymond Fugere, SCE’s PSPS incident commander. “Ensuring the safety of our customers and communities is our highest priority. We use these shutoffs only as a last resort.” SCE’s online outage map indicates that a PSPS is “under consideration” for much of Southwest Riverside County and the San Gorgonio Pass Area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a high wind warning effective from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening, with relative humidity expected to drop to 10%, creating critical fire conditions. A Red Flag Warning, signaling extreme fire danger, will remain in effect through at least Thursday night.

SCE stated that if power is turned off, restoration efforts will begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Crews will inspect power lines for damage once winds subside, which means some customers may remain without electricity even after the weather improves. Temporary restorations may occur during lulls in the wind, but further shutoffs could follow if dangerous conditions return.

In nearby Mount Laguna, residents like Linda and Michael Rice are also preparing for potential power outages. Despite having underground power lines installed two years ago, the Rices were informed that their electricity could still be cut off if other parts of the grid are affected. “I thought, ‘Oh boy! Now we don’t have to have our power shut off when the wind blows,’ but that didn’t happen,” Linda Rice said. “I just had the question… Why all this money and time to [place the lines] underground?”

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) explained that even underground lines connected to above-ground sections of the grid could be impacted by weather events, necessitating shutoffs. “I totally understand that other people on the circuit are affected, and I appreciate the fact that SDG&E is trying to protect us,” Rice added. “It’s a little inconvenient, but I’m OK with it.”

Residents across the region are urged to prepare for potential outages by charging devices, securing backup power sources, and staying informed through local updates. SCE and SDG&E have both emphasized that safety remains their top priority during this high-risk period.