PG&amp;E Warns of Likely Public Safety Power Shutoffs Amid Red-Flag Weather Across Northern California

Red-Flag Weather Driving the Alerts

The National Weather Service expanded a red-flag warning from the Sacramento-San Joaquin valleys to the entire Central Valley and Bay Area. Forecasts call for north winds of 20-30 mph, gusts of 35-45 mph and isolated gusts up to 50 mph, with relative humidity dropping to 7-15 percent. Meteorologist Ophelia Young noted sustained winds strengthening 10-20 mph and humidity “down to the teens” on Saturday, falling to single-digit levels by Sunday. Temperatures are projected near 84 °F on Saturday, 82 °F on Sunday, and 87 °F on Monday. The combination of strong winds, low humidity and dry fuels creates elevated fire danger, especially along and west of Interstate 5.

Key Figures and Agencies

Tamar Sarkissian, PG&E spokesperson, overseeing utility response.

Ophelia Young, meteorologist with KCRA, providing weather analysis.

Paul Lowenthal, Santa Rosa Fire Department, coordinating fire-prevention efforts.

Sacramento and Hanford National Weather Service offices, issuing red-flag warnings.

PG&E Emergency Operations Center, monitoring conditions for PSPS activation.

Data and Statistics

Wind gusts: up to 50 mph (north of I-5) and 30-45 mph elsewhere.

Relative humidity: as low as 7 % in northern valleys, 15 % or lower in the southern San Joaquin Valley.

PG&E circuits in high-risk areas: 788 total, with 448 operating under Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings that automatically shut off power on line damage, and 30 under buffer-only settings.

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Counties under possible shutoff: fifteen (see above).

Official Statements & Responses

PG&E indicated it is “monitoring the weather very carefully” and has activated its Emergency Operations Center. The utility stated that PSPS actions are taken only when “multiple elements…high winds, low humidity, lots of dry debris on the ground” converge. The National Weather Service emphasized that any fire “will likely spread rapidly” under the forecast conditions. Fire officials urged residents to maintain defensible space, clear weeds, and avoid outdoor burning.

On-the-Ground Reports

Two small fires ignited in San Jose on Friday as dry, windy conditions persisted. Fire crews in the Bay Area reported readiness for an active season, while local meteorologists warned that grass fires could start easily and spread quickly with the gusting winds.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

Sources differ on the number of counties under PSPS consideration: CBS lists fifteen counties, the Sacramento Bee notes possible shutoffs in seven counties initially, then an expansion to eight additional counties. Timing also varies, with some reports emphasizing likely outages Sunday-Monday and others extending the risk through Tuesday. No source provides an exact count of customers who may lose power.

Verbatim Quotes

“We only do these when we see multiple elements coming together. Things like high winds, low humidity, lots of dry debris on the ground,” — Tamar Sarkissian, PG&E spokesperson

“Take care of their weeds. Maintain defensible space. And then obviously be prepared for what is to possibly come this season,” — Paul Lowenthal, Santa Rosa Fire Department

“WE ARE DOWN TO THE TEENS THIS AFTERNOON, AND AS THE WINDS CONTINUE TO INCREASE TOMORROW, THE AIR WILL CONTINUE TO DRY OUT.” — Ophelia Young, Meteorologist, KCRA

“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly,” — Hanford office, National Weather Service

“We're monitoring the weather very carefully,” — Tamar Sarkissian, PG&E spokesperson

What’s Next

PG&E will continue to assess real-time conditions through Monday, with the possibility of implementing PSPS if wind speeds remain above forecast thresholds and humidity stays low. Winds are expected to moderate on Tuesday, but the utility has indicated that monitoring will persist throughout the weekend.