Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) warned late on Friday (10/23), that nearly half a million of its customers to lose power amid planned Public Power Safety Shutt-offs (PSPS) as early as Sunday.  If the PSPS takes place, this would be the 5th this year for utility and the third in consecutive weeks.  PG&E revealed further stated that this time the PSPS could place impact nearly half a million homes and businesses or roughly 1.5 million people in 38 counties across Northern and Central California.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), extreme wildfire danger is expected this weekend due to the forecast of dry and windy conditions.  The weather will change Sunday and Monday, which will see widespread, high-risk wildfire conditions.

According to the NWS, a north and northeast wind will pick up Sunday afternoon and will be strong Sunday night and into Monday.  The west slope of the Sierra, above 2,500 feet, and the higher elevations of Napa, Sonoma, and Lake counties could see wind gusts over 50 mph.

Other locations, including Sacramento, could see wind gusts over 35 mph.

Strong wind in areas that have recently seen grass fires or wildfires could see trees and limbs come down.

CalFIRE also warned that the wind, extremely dry air, and very dry fuel will create extreme fire danger conditions.

Under these conditions, a fire could spread at a very fast pace Sunday and Monday, quickly moving into population centers before residents are aware of the danger, according to CalFIRE.

CalFIRE and PG&E warned residents to pay attention to local law enforcement alerts for evacuation warnings and orders.

Local law enforcement in these areas warned residents to prepare to evacuate now by packing bags and necessary medications and documents.

According to the NWS, the high winds are expected to die down by Tuesday.