15 California counties could lose power during dry, windy weather. Are you at risk?
With strong winds and dry conditions in the weather forecast increasing wildfire risks, communities across California could lose electricity in coming days, according to Pacific Gas and Electric.
Public power shut offs are planned in a total of 15 California counties, including Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Merced and Fresno counties, PG&E said.
PG&E’s public safety power shutoffs could begin as early as Thursday, June 19, and continue through the weekend, the utility company said.
“Winds will increase significantly, leading to elevated fire danger concerns,” PG&E said in its shutoff forecast. “Winds will shift to the north on Saturday and Sunday in the Sacramento Valley with continued dry conditions and will need to be monitored for additional fire weather concerns.”
Here’s what to know and how to prepare:
What is a public safety power shutoff?
PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program is a wildfire prevention measure that cuts electricity to high-risk areas during “severe weather.”
Shutoffs are triggered by conditions such as low humidity, strong winds and dry vegetation near power lines — a combination that can “cause trees or debris to damage equipment.”
“If there is dry vegetation, this could lead to a wildfire,” PG&E said. “That’s why we may need to turn power off to keep you safe.”
Who is at risk for losing electricity in California?
PG&E provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 16 million customers throughout a 70,000-square-mile area across northern and central California.
As of Wednesday, June 18, the following counties were at risk of power outages on Thursday:
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Fresno
- Merced
- Monterey
- San Benito
- San Joaquin
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Clara
- Shasta
- Stanislaus
- Tehama
- Trinity
Colusa and Glenn counties were expected to be added to PG&E’s “likely” power shutoff list by Friday.
According to PG&E, more than 7,000 customers will be affected by outages.
Customers can check an interactive outage map to see if their address is in an area affected by potential power shutoff.
How can I prepare for a power outage?
To prepare for a power outage, the Red Cross recommends building an emergency kit with essential items to keep you safe and comfortable during an outage, including water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first-aid kit and personal hygiene items.
You should also plan for medical needs, create an evacuation plan and have backup communication tools.
If you find yourself in a blackout at home, here’s what you can do:
- Don’t use appliances.
Go to a cooling center if the weather is too hot.
Keep your fridge and freezer closed.
Stay updated with alerts.
How can I stay updated on PG&E shutoffs?
To help customers prepare for potential power shutoffs, PG&E offers phone and text alerts to notify customers when an outage might be necessary to prevent a wildfire.
Customers can sign up to receive alerts for their service address and other important locations — such as a family member’s home, workplace or child’s daycare facility.
PG&E sends alerts at multiple stages before, during and after a power shutoff.
Notifications can be sent up to a week in advance, then again at 48 hours, 24 hours and one to four hours before power is turned off.
Additional alerts are issued if the shutoff is delayed, canceled, updated or once power is turned off and later restored.
This story was originally published June 18, 2025 at 1:15 PM with the headline "15 California counties could lose power during dry, windy weather. Are you at risk?."
