More than 71,000 PG&E customers were without power in the Bay Area as of Tuesday afternoon as high winds started to blow through the region.
The most affected customers are along the Peninsula, where 32,150 are without power, while 16,910 have outages in the South Bay, 7,845 in the East Bay, 7,629 in the North Bay, and 7,224 in San Francisco, PG&E spokesperson Mayra Tostado said.
Downed trees and power lines have been reported throughout the region and people are advised to use extra caution while driving, especially in taller vehicles.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the Bay Area that is in effect through 1 p.m. Wednesday, and high wind warnings have been issued along coastal parts of the region.
PG&E officials said the risks of outages and downed lines will continue into Wednesday as gusts reach 60 mph or more at higher elevations. Anyone who sees downed power lines should call 911 immediately and never touch the equipment since it could be energized and dangerous, according to the utility.
Along with high winds, snow is also expected to fall in lower elevations around the region later this week. According to the weather service, Bay Area elevations as low as 500 feet could see snow on Thursday and Friday.
A major power outage hit the East Bay on Sunday.
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