SCE Prepares for New Triple Threat Storm
SCE Prepares for New Triple Threat Storm
It has become an almost daily routine for Southern California Edison’s Business Resiliency teams, which include Weather Services: holding calls and collaborating with departments across the company to prepare for dangerous weather conditions approaching SCE’s service area.
Because of heavy snow forecast above 4,000 feet and wind gusts as high as 65 mph, the National Weather Service has issued winter storm advisories, warnings and watches through Thursday afternoon for portions of Inyo, Tulare, Fresno, Tuolumne, Mono, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.
Avalanche watches are in effect through Wednesday morning for portions of the Eastern Sierra, including Mono and Inyo counties. Wind advisories are in effect for Wednesday and Thursday for portions of Fresno, Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties while flood advisories and warnings are in place for parts of Tulare and Fresno counties through Sunday.
“This particular system has less moisture than the last one. It’s definitely not an atmospheric river,” said SCE meteorologist Jacqueline Bennett. “That being said, there will still be significant rain in some areas, and even in the San Joaquin Valley, where rain totals aren’t expected to be particularly alarming, the already saturated soil will have trouble absorbing additional rainfall and run-off.”
The company is preparing to respond quickly and safely to any possible storm-related power outages.
“SCE is evaluating staffing levels and will consider prepositioning crews and equipment in areas that could see the biggest storm impacts, particularly Bishop, Mammoth and Lake Arrowhead,” said Thomas Brady, SCE principal manager of Business Resiliency. “We will also work with local and state emergency management officials to coordinate our response efforts, if necessary.”
SCE reminds customers never to touch or approach a downed wire and to call 911 immediately. 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.
- Freeze water and transfer it to your refrigerator if the power goes out to keep perishables cold.
- Install surge protectors to help safeguard valuable electronic equipment, such as computers and home entertainment systems.
- If you have an automatic garage door or gate, learn to open it manually (without power).
- Use caution when driving, and do not enter any flooded areas.
- Contact your city or county offices of 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.
- Be prepared to meet the unique needs of infants and elderly or disabled family members. Also, plan how you will care for any pets.
Customers may report outages at 1-800-611-1911 or online at sce.com/outage-center.