PG&E Corp. warned that three California counties will be without power on Wednesday and Thursday as dry weather and gusty winds increase the risk of fires.
PG&E is taking steps to preemptively shut off power to homes and businesses in the area. The utility said power outages were needed in Monterey, San Benito and San Luis Obispo counties due to high winds and dry conditions. Seven other counties, including Santa Barbara and Marin, may also be without power, the company said on its website.
RELATED: California utility bills to rise 20% due to wildfires
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag fire warning for parts of the region through Thursday due to strong winds, low humidity and high temperatures.
Utilities across the Western United States have had to take drastic precautions, such as turning off power amid increasingly warm and dry weather, to limit the risk of deadly fires and financial liability. This is the second time in about a month that PG&E has resorted to so-called public safety power shutoffs.
Above: A power poll outside Novato, California, United States, on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. Bloomberg.
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