Officials are considering Power Safety Shutoffs for more than 170,000 customers Monday morning as gusty Santa Ana winds blow through Southern California, increasing concerns for wildfires.
“Strong and locally damaging Santa Ana winds are expected this week, through Monday, and again Wednesday and Thursday,” the National Weather Service stated in its forecast .
Northeast wind gusts could reach 80 mph in some mountain locations and up to 55 mph through the coasts and valleys, according to the Weather Service.
Officials urged motorists to be on the lookout for downed trees and power lines, and warned of strong crosswinds for high-profile vehicles.
The dangerous conditions have Southern California Edison considering thousands of power safety shutoffs.
“We will consider public safety power shutoffs as a tool of last resort to protect the public from that increased risk of wildfire,” SCE spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas said.