Power Outages Across Northern and Central California: Sierra Foothills, Modesto, Santa Cruz County, Yosemite Area
Storm-related outages have impacted parts of Northern and Central California, including the Sierra foothills, Modesto, Santa Cruz County, and the Yosemite area. Here is what is known and how to use generators safely while power is out.
Power Outages Across Northern and Central California: Sierra Foothills, Modesto, Santa Cruz County, Yosemite Area
What's Happening Right Now
Multiple localized outages have been reported across Northern and Central California, with weather and storm impacts cited in several areas. Some outages are tied to specific damage events, while others are broader storm-related disruptions.
- Storms have caused widespread power outages in the Sierra foothills, according to (FOX40)
- Foothill residents have been dealing with storm-related outages while another storm wave threatens additional disruptions, per (ABC10)
- In Modesto, lightning downed a high-tension power line and caused outages, reported by (Modesto Bee)
- Wind, rain, and lightning caused widespread outages across the Central Coast, according to (KSBY News)
- Weather-related outages were reported in the Yosemite area, per (yourcentralvalley.com)
- Storm-related outages affected Eastern Humboldt and into Trinity counties, reported by (Redheaded Blackbelt)
- Santa Cruz County saw a large outage affecting nearly 9,000 PG&E customers that was later restored, according to (KSBW)
Why This Matters
Localized outages can disrupt heating, refrigeration, medical devices, well pumps, and communications. In storm conditions, safe backup power becomes more important, but generator misuse can create serious hazards. Planning what you will power and how you will connect it helps you conserve fuel and reduce risk while crews work on restoration.
What to Do If You're Affected
Focus on immediate needs first, then set up a safe, simple backup-power plan. If you have a generator, prioritize essential circuits and keep your setup outdoors and dry. If you do not have a generator, reduce power needs and protect food and medications as best you can.
- Confirm the outage is limited to your home versus the neighborhood (check nearby streetlights and neighbors).
- Unplug or switch off sensitive electronics to reduce the chance of damage when power returns.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve food.
- If you rely on powered medical equipment, identify an alternate power option you can use safely (battery backup, charging plan, or a properly connected generator).
- If using a generator, decide what you will run before starting it: typically fridge, some lights, device charging, and possibly a small heater or fan if it is rated and appropriate for generator power.
- If you are in an area with ongoing storms, keep extension cords and generator connections out of standing water and protect equipment from rain using a manufacturer-approved canopy or cover that does not trap exhaust.
Generator Considerations
Choose a setup that matches your essential loads and your ability to refuel safely. Many outage problems come from overloading, unsafe placement, or unsafe connection methods. Keep it simple: power only what you need, and use the right cords and connection equipment.
Sizing and load planning: List essentials and their wattage. Start with refrigeration, a few lights, and charging. Avoid running multiple high-draw appliances at once to prevent overload trips.
Connection method: Use heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords for individual appliances, or a properly installed transfer switch for selected home circuits.
Fuel planning: Estimate run time based on your generator's fuel consumption and your planned load. Refuel only after shutting down and letting the unit cool.
Noise and neighbor considerations: Place the generator where it is stable and ventilated while respecting local quiet hours when possible. Do not place it in a garage or near open windows to reduce noise and exhaust exposure.
Important Safety Notes
Generator safety is mainly about preventing carbon monoxide exposure, preventing electrical backfeed, and handling fuel correctly. Follow these rules every time you run a generator.
⚠️ WARNING: Carbon monoxide: NEVER run a generator indoors. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly and can be deadly even if you open doors or windows.
⚠️ WARNING: Indoor use and placement: Generators are outdoors only. Place the unit at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, with exhaust pointed away from the home.
⚠️ WARNING: Backfeeding and home wiring: NEVER connect a generator directly to a wall outlet or your home wiring without a transfer switch. This can backfeed power onto lines and create a severe hazard for utility workers and neighbors.
⚠️ WARNING: Fuel storage: Store gasoline only in approved containers and keep them away from living areas. Let the generator cool before refueling to reduce fire risk.
⚠️ WARNING: Electrical cords: Use outdoor-rated cords sized for the load, keep connections dry, and do not run cords under rugs or through doorways where they can be pinched.