Southern California Windstorm Causes Widespread Power Outages

A severe windstorm swept through Southern California starting on January 7, 2025 and continuing into today, January, 8th, 2025, causing significant disruptions and power outages for nearly 50,000 residents in Los Angeles County. The National Weather Service had issued high wind warnings, predicting gusts up to 80 mph in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with isolated gusts reaching 100 mph in mountainous areas. 

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reported that approximately 28,300 of its customers experienced outages, while Southern California Edison (SCE) noted that 21,699 of its customers were affected. These outages were primarily due to downed power lines and other wind-related damages

Safety Tips and Resources for Affected Residents:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates from your utility provider regarding power restoration efforts. LADWP customers can visit www.ladwp.com for the latest information, while SCE customers can refer to www.sce.com.
2. Emergency Preparedness: Ensure you have an emergency kit with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food. Keep mobile devices charged and consider having a backup power source if possible.
3. Report Hazards: If you encounter downed power lines or other electrical hazards, maintain a safe distance and immediately report them to your utility provider or local authorities.
4. Health Precautions: Be aware of the potential health impacts of power outages, especially for individuals relying on electrically powered medical equipment. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance and consider registering with your utility's medical baseline program for priority restoration.
5. Fire Safety: Given the increased fire risk during wind events, avoid using open flames or devices that could spark. Follow local fire department advisories and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions during such extreme weather events. By staying informed and prepared, communities can better navigate the challenges posed by severe windstorms and associated power outages. Tune into KFI above for the latest updates!