Written by Amanda Angulo
After Monday and Tuesday’s strong winds, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) had to restore power back to 24,000 customers, which were hit by shutoffs due to the winds. Additionally, the company also warned 29,000 more customers that they could potentially face blackouts starting by Thursday morning, which is when a second round of winds is expected to hit.
However, blackouts were not the only damage done by the winds in California. Near Santa Barbara, a fire ignited on Monday, called the Alisal Fire. It has spread over 13,000 acres, forcing thousands to evacuate from their homes and portions of Highway 101 were shut down. The fire is also threatening Rancho del Cielo, a vacation home once used by President Ronald Reagan.
On Tuesday, firefighters also worked to contain another fire that ignited on Monday throughout the Rancho Marina Mobile Home & RV Park. As a result of this fire, 150 people were displaced from their homes and 42 structures were destroyed. Even 20 structures were at risk in the Sacramento County community on Tuesday.
Continuing on Tuesday, Ricardo Lara, California’s Insurance Commissioner ordered for the state’s “insurer of last resort” in order to expand protections for farmers and vintners who don’t have private coverage. The measures he passed will provide a very deserving needed relief to Wine Country, which was hit by a series of fires last year.
Apart from the winds and fires, California’s drought is taking a hit on Lake Tahoe. Their water levels are expected to sink below it’s natural rim, which affects habitats for the wildlife. Not only that, tourists will not be able to enjoy the lake as they would at it’s usual water rim level. It’s already bad enough that the Caldor Fires from earlier this year have clouded the famously-known clear water.
Photo Cred: Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire via AP
