During adverse weather conditions, backcountry areas are prone to have electricity cut because they are often located in or around wind corridors. For example, Sill Hill in the Cleveland National Forest is a location where SDG&E’s network of 222 weather stations reports wind speeds of 70 mph and higher when Santa Anas blow through.

"Public Safety Power Shutoffs are approved by state regulators as an important safety tool of last resort to mitigate fire risk during dangerous weather conditions," SDG&E said. A map of current power outages can be found at sdge.com/outages. Officials said to never approach damaged infrastructure or downed power lines.

"Due to a new round of Santa Ana winds and elevated fire weather conditions impacting our region this week, San Diego Gas & Electric has initiated Public Safety Power Shutoffs in certain communities to help reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety,