11,000 residents in Sonoma and Napa counties impacted by wind-related power outages, PG&E says. Here’s when the outages will end

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Planned public safety power shutoffs are expected to conclude in the early evening Monday, May 18, according to Pacific Gas and Electric Co.

As winds reaching 70 mph have whipped the area in recent days, more than 11,000 residents in Sonoma and Napa counties have been affected by planned and unplanned outages, the utility said.

PG&E warned about planned outages as the North Bay braced for weather conditions the utility said could elevate fire risk.

On Sunday, officials said the utility shut power for about 4,700 customers due to fire-weather forecasts in the first public safety power shutoff of the year. The outage impacted customers across 15 counties.

By noon Monday, the utility announced an all-clear for weather-related shutoffs in 11 of the 15 affected counties. PG&E crews will inspect electrical equipment to confirm that power can be safely restored and make necessary repairs to any damaged equipment to restore power in all impacted areas, officials said.

In addition to power shutoffs, the utility said, wind damage had led to power disruptions for 3,448 customers in Sonoma County and 344 customers in Napa County.

In total, based on a PG&E formula, more than 11,000 residents in the two counties have been affected by the outages.

PG&E reported significant damage to power equipment due to high winds, according to Megan McFarland, a spokesperson for the utility. Winds can damage power lines directly or cause damage to trees and branches, which can then damage equipment.

McFarland reminded residents to avoid downed power lines and call 911 to report damage.

You can reach Staff Writer Kyle Garcia Takata at kyle.garciatakata@pressdemocrat.com.