San Diego Gas and Electric has shut off power to thousands of customers in the county due to the wildfire risk.
As of Thursday morning, about 20,000 SDG&E customers had had their power shut off in areas where the risk of wildfires due to strong winds is highest. The utility's planned outages are aimed at reducing the chances of power lines sparking a fire.
Earlier this week, SDG&E said forecasted conditions could lead to the shut-off of power to as many as 40,000 customers for reasons of public safety.
The Red Flag Fire Weather Warning was scheduled to be in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday with the High Wind Warning expiring at Noon in time for calmer winds for Halloween trick or treating.
Meantime, San Diego County area schools announced closures this week due to the Santa Ana and power outages.
Wednesday afternoon, the San Diego County Office of Education announced the following district closures for Thursday, Oct. 31:
- Dehesa School District
- Julian Union High School District
- Julian Union School District
- Mountain Empire Unified School District
- Rancho Santa Fe School District
- Spencer Valley School District
- Vallecitos School District
- Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District
Schools in Vallecitos School District will also be closed Friday, Nov. 1, according to the SDCOE.
(Photo credit reporting partner 10News)