Update 4:30PM: Jeff Monford, Senior Advisor of Corporate Communications for SCE sent this update to Z107.7:
“Today SCE implemented a Public Safety Power Shutoff for Morongo Valley due to specific conditions there, including but not limited to exceedingly dry vegetation, very low humidity and sufficiently high prevailing and gusting winds. Adding to this, later in the day, a power line had an issue that affected the rest of the Morongo Basin. I learned a very short time ago that the line has been repaired, and crews are inspecting lines now to make sure it is safe to reenergize them. Inspections are essential for safety. Power has been restored to some lines already. Crews will reenergize the remaining ones as quickly as it is safe to do so pending completion of inspections. Some of these may not be possible after dark, potentially delaying restoration in some locations.”
Thousands of homes and businesses across the Morongo Basin are without power this afternoon (January 8).
Some residents have reported that their power has returned, but many homes remain powerless as the sun sets.
We have reached out to Southern California Edison for more information, and will provide updates as we learn more.
Hours prior to the power outtages, SCE sent an email to customers in the Morongo Basin warning that blackouts were a possibility. The statement said:
“We are currently experiencing a significant number of weather-related power outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) throughout our service area due to strong winds and wildfire-weather conditions. To prioritize the safety of our crews and your community, we will restore power once the winds have settled, and our power lines are safely inspected.”
Stay tuned to Z107.7 for updates.
