Oakland, Calif. – A powerful winter storm is expected to bring freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, damaging winds, and potential power outages across large parts of California just days before the holidays. Officials at Pacific Gas and Electric Company are preparing for widespread impacts as the storm system moves through the state beginning Tuesday and lasting into Wednesday, according to FOX Weather.
Heavy Snow, Rain, and Dangerous Winds Expected
Meteorologists with PG&E anticipate significant snowfall across higher elevations, while lower areas brace for intense rainfall and strong winds. Forecasts call for four to ten inches of rain, with snow levels rising above 6,000 feet.
Mountain communities at elevations above 5,500 feet could see up to two feet of snow, creating dangerous travel conditions. The FOX Forecast Center warns that hazardous winds and heavy mountain snow could persist into Tuesday evening.
Cities along the coast are also expected to feel the effects. Wind gusts of up to 65 miles per hour are possible in areas including San Francisco, increasing the risk of downed trees and power lines.
PG&E Moves to Storm Readiness Mode
In anticipation of widespread outages, PG&E has activated its Emergency Operations Center and placed thousands of workers on standby.
More than 5,500 PG&E personnel are assigned to storm duty, including approximately 1,500 gas and electric crew members and nearly 3,000 tree workers. Crews have been strategically pre-positioned throughout the service area to speed up restoration efforts if outages occur.
“These storms have the potential to disrupt holiday plans; therefore, we have prepositioned resources and will be an all-hands-on-deck response from PG&E to safely restore power as quickly as possible,” the company said in a statement.
Travel Disruptions Likely Across the State
The combination of heavy snow, flooding rain, and strong winds could significantly impact travel throughout California. Mountain passes may become impassable, and officials urge travelers to check road conditions before heading out.
Emergency responders have already been active in parts of Northern California following recent flooding, and officials warn that additional rainfall could worsen conditions in already saturated areas.
Safety Tips if Power or Heat Is Lost
The National Weather Service advises residents to take precautions if electricity or heat is disrupted during the storm.
Home safety recommendations include:
- Closing off unused rooms to conserve heat
- Sealing door cracks with towels or rags
- Keeping blinds and curtains closed to retain warmth
- Eating regularly and staying hydrated with non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks
- Wearing loose, layered clothing and removing layers as needed to avoid overheating
Officials continue to urge Californians to prepare emergency kits, charge devices ahead of time, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm conditions.
