LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Co. reported on Tuesday night that it may once again shut off power to thousands of Northern California customers – including many in parts of Lake County – due to weather conditions.

The company said it was considering the action – beginning on Thursday, Nov. 8 – due to expected extreme fire danger conditions, including the red flag warning from the National Weather Service and several other weather factors.

Counties that could be impacted are Butte, Lake, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sierra, Sonoma and Yuba, PG&E said.

Gusty northeast winds are expected late Wednesday through Thursday primarily in the Sacramento Valley, western slopes of northern Sierra and the North Bay hills.

Customers can visit www.pge.com/wildfiresafety to determine whether their home or business is served by an electric line that may be turned off for safety.

PG&E had carried out its first-ever “public safety power shutoff” from Oct. 14 to 17, as Lake County News has reported due to a forecast of extreme fire danger.

"We know how much our customers rely on electric service and the impacts these events can have on our customers, their families and communities. We will only consider temporarily turning off power in the interest of safety and as a last resort during extreme weather conditions to reduce the risk of wildfire," said Pat Hogan, senior vice president of Electric Operations.

Factors that PG&E considers when deciding to initiate a public safety power shutoff include strong winds, very low humidity levels, critically dry vegetation and on-the-ground observations.

PG&E is working closely with first responders and state and local agencies to keep them apprised of our response to the evolving weather conditions.

The company said it started sending out automated voice messages, texts and emails to customers on Tuesday alerting them to a potential power shutoff.

Due to forecasted high winds and dry vegetation, PG&E may temporarily turn off power in portions of the following communities:

PG&E meteorologists will continue to monitor weather conditions as they evolve. The company said it will have additional details on affected areas as weather reports become available.

Customers are urged to make sure their contact information is up-to-date by visiting www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts, or by calling 1-866-743-6589 during normal business hours.