PG&E addresses delays in power restoration, warns of even more outages with upcoming storm

EUREKA, Calif. — As Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) crews work to restore power lost during last week's storm, another storm system is expected to cause more outages across Northern and Central California.

"There is the possibility of more outages than in the last event," PG&E Regional Vice President for the Bay Area Aaron Johnson said of Tuesday's forecasted storm system.

PG&E held a press conference this morning at its Emergency Response Center in Vacaville, where they shared updated times for estimated restoration and a plan for handling upcoming storms.

For certain areas of Humboldt County, including Trinidad, Orick and Petrolia, power has already been out for several days. According to PG&E, crews were only recently able to gain access to those areas.

"We are encountering challenges that could delay our efforts and extend our customers' outages. Conditions such as flooding, mudslides, downed trees, heavy snow might block our way," PG&E Executive Vice President Adam Wright said.

PG&E Public Information Officer Megan McFarland confirmed with North Coast News that the company could send crews to the affected Trinidad communities after recently gaining access to those areas. As of Monday, PG&E officials estimate power to be restored by Friday at 10 p.m.

"We understand that many customers have had long outages, and we are prioritizing these outages as conditions allow," Wright said.

In the meantime, PG&E provides emergency supplies to the affected California counties. According to the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services, 250 bags containing water, batter packs, blankets and snacks were given to the county Monday. Those bags are now being distributed at the following three temporary warming and charging stations in the county:

Trinidad Town Hall
409 Trinity Street, Trinidad, CA
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Big Lagoon School
269 Big Lagoon Park Road, Trinidad, CA
Monday, Jan. 9, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mattole Valley Community Center
29230 Mattole Rd., Petrolia, CA
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Officials said Tuesday's storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to Humboldt County, and there are at least two more storms on the forecast going into next week.