Severe storms are moving across parts of the US on Friday, bringing destructive winds and heavy snow that could cause widespread power outages across several states.
People in parts of Oregon and California have been advised to charge their phones and replenish emergency supplies. Pacific Power is urging customers to prepare for as long as 72 hours without essential services.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said wind gusts could reach 70mph in northern California’s Shasta Valley and 65mph along the southern Oregon coast, potentially bringing down trees and power lines.
Widespread outages are possible in areas covered by high wind warnings.
‘Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,’ the NWS said in a High Wind Warning.
At the same time, heavy, wet snow has already caused power failures in parts of upstate New York, including Otsego, Chenango and Delaware counties.
Forecasters said snow weighing down trees could lead to additional outages on Friday morning.
A live power outage map shows that more than 20,000 customers in New York are without electricity, with the greatest concentration of outages in Otsego and Chenango counties.
Severe storms are moving across parts of the US on Friday, bringing destructive winds and heavy snow that could cause widespread power outages across several states (stock)
A powerful Pacific low-pressure system is driving cold air into Oregon and California, producing damaging winds, rain and dangerous surf while raising the risk of fallen trees and power outages.
The storm’s strongest coastal winds are expected on Friday morning. A high wind warning for Oregon’s south-central coast and the Curry County coast remains in effect until 10am PST.
PowerOutage.com reports that nearly 3,000 customers are without electricity, with most outages in southwestern Oregon.
In northern California, warnings for Shasta Valley and coastal Del Norte County remain in place until 1pm PST Friday.
More than 16,000 customers are without power, according to PowerOutage.com.
Pacific Power said crews are prepared to respond to storm-related damage and encouraged customers to register for outage alerts and updates.
Residents should never approach fallen power lines because they may still be energized even if they are not sparking. Anyone who sees a downed line should call 911.
Electricity may not be restored immediately after weather warnings end, as crews inspect damage and carry out repairs.
Heavy, wet snow has already caused power failures in parts of upstate New York, including Otsego, Chenango and Delaware counties
‘State and local emergency management organizations also recommend having an emergency plan and to be prepared for up to 72 hours without essential services,’ Pacific Power said in a statement.
Officials again warned residents to avoid all downed power lines, which may remain energized and pose an extreme danger.
Snow reached 10 inches in parts of central New York by Thursday evening, and forecasters said accumulation would continue into Friday.
‘The snow will be tapering off from north to south during the morning hours,’ the NWS said in a separate advisory covering Schoharie and parts of Greene and Ulster counties.
‘The heavy, wet nature of the snow can result in isolated power outages, mainly across Schoharie County.’
Elevations above 1,500 feet in parts of Otsego County have already received between six and 12 inches of snow.
A winter storm warning remains in effect there until 1pm EST Friday.