Pacific Gas & Electric customers in parts of San Joaquin County could face power shutoffs starting Thursday and running through the weekend as predictions of high winds heighten wildfire concerns.
A map of the potential shutoffs shows most are northwest of Tracy. The National Weather Service forecasts wind gusts up to 29 mph over the next couple of days, following high temperatures and continued dry conditions.
PG&E lists “shutoffs likely” through Sunday. They reach into a large swath of Northern and Central California. Besides San Joaquin, other counties under the alert include Alameda, Colusa, Contra Costa, Fresno, Glenn, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Shasta, Tehama and Trinity. The shutoffs aren’t currently expected in Stockton.
The giant utility said it has been taking additional steps to improve its ability to prevent downed power lines from starting fires…