So far, California has been able to dodge the storm conditions blasting the Northwest with heavy rain and flooding, but that is about to change as the storm starts moving southward.
Through the week of Christmas, multiple storms will bring rounds of torrential rain throughout the state. In the Sierra Nevada, several feet of snow will fall on the higher elevations.
The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for portions Southern California Edison’s Service area through Friday, with 4-12 inches of rain expected. As the ground becomes saturated, the risk of debris flows, road washouts and hillside collapses will increase substantially.
Crews are available and on call if needed for any emergent issues. They will respond as safely and quickly as possible to restore power if any weather-related outages occur.
Remember to stay safe and avoid downed power lines. If you see a downed wire, stay at least 100 feet away and call 911 immediately. SCE reminds customers to be mindful of rainy-day hazards.
Here are some additional safety tips:
- Never try to remove a broken tree limb or branch that has come in contact with a power line.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system and SCE alerts.
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to 800-611-1911.
- Prepare for power outages. Charge devices, get flashlights/batteries, and stock emergency kits with water, food and medicine.
- Never cross a road with water or mud flowing. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
- Never cross a bridge if you see a flow approaching, because it can grow faster and larger too quickly for you to escape.
- If you do get stuck in the path of a landslide, move uphill as quickly as possible.
- Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas during times of potential floods and mudslides.
- Install surge protectors to help safeguard valuable electronic equipment, such as computers and home entertainment systems.
- Check your vehicle’s wiper blades and tire tread, use caution when driving and do not enter flooded areas. Contact your city or county emergency services for flood preparation and sandbag locations.
- Make a safety preparedness plan for your family that includes a list and location of emergency items such as water bottles, flashlights, first aid kits, extra blankets, etc.
To check on the status of an outage or to report an outage, visit sce.com/outagemap.
