Residents across several US states have been warned to prepare for possible widespread power outages as powerful storms bring damaging winds and heavy snowfall to parts of the country on Friday.
The severe weather has prompted emergency preparedness warnings in Oregon and California, where residents have been advised to charge their electronic devices, replenish emergency supplies and prepare for the possibility of being without essential services for up to 72 hours.
Pacific Power has urged customers to make preparations ahead of the approaching storm, warning that severe weather could disrupt electricity supplies and other essential services.
Winds of Up to 70mph Threaten California and Oregon
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued high wind warnings for several areas, forecasting gusts of up to 70mph in California’s Shasta Valley and 65mph along the southern Oregon coast.
Forecasters warned that the powerful winds could bring down trees and electricity infrastructure, potentially leaving large numbers of residents without power.
In its warning, the NWS said: “Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines.
Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.”
A powerful low-pressure system over the Pacific is driving cold air across Oregon and California, bringing strong winds, rainfall and dangerous coastal conditions.
Thousands Already Without Electricity in Western States
The storm has already affected electricity supplies in parts of the western US.
According to PowerOutage.com, nearly 3,000 customers in Oregon were without electricity, with the largest concentrations of outages reported in the southwestern part of the state.
In California, more than 16,000 customers were also without power, according to the outage monitoring website.
The strongest coastal winds were expected on Friday morning, with a high wind warning covering Oregon’s south-central coast and Curry County coast remaining in effect until 10am Pacific Standard Time.
In northern California, warnings covering Shasta Valley and coastal Del Norte County were scheduled to remain in place until 1pm PST.
Pacific Power said its emergency crews were prepared to respond to storm-related damage and encouraged customers to register for outage alerts to receive updates.
Heavy Snow Causes Power Outages in New York
Meanwhile, heavy, wet snowfall has already disrupted electricity supplies in parts of upstate New York, including Otsego, Chenango and Delaware counties.
More than 20,000 customers across the state were without electricity, according to a live outage map, with most of the reported disruptions concentrated in Otsego and Chenango counties.
The snowfall reached approximately 10 inches in parts of central New York on Thursday evening, with additional accumulation expected on Friday.
Forecasters warned that the heavy snow sticking to trees could cause branches to break and damage electricity lines, resulting in further outages.
Parts of Otsego County located above 1,500 feet had already recorded between six and 12 inches of snow.
A winter storm warning remained in effect for those areas until 1pm Eastern Standard Time on Friday.
Forecasters Warn of Further Disruptions From Heavy Snow
The National Weather Service said snowfall would gradually decrease across affected parts of New York during Friday morning.
In an advisory covering Schoharie County and parts of Greene and Ulster counties, the agency warned that the weight of the snow could cause isolated electricity disruptions.
“The snow will be tapering off from north to south during the morning hours,” the NWS said.
It added that the heavy, wet nature of the snowfall could result in isolated power outages, particularly across Schoharie County.
Residents Told to Prepare for 72 Hours Without Essential Services
Pacific Power has urged residents in affected communities to prepare for extended interruptions to electricity and other essential services.
The company said state and local emergency management organisations recommend that households have an emergency plan and maintain enough supplies to manage for up to 72 hours without essential services.
Residents have also been warned against approaching fallen power lines, which may remain energised even when they are not producing sparks.
Anyone who encounters a downed electricity line has been advised to stay away and contact emergency services by calling 911.
Officials also warned that electricity may not be restored immediately after weather warnings expire, as utility crews could need additional time to assess damage and complete repairs.
