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.

Around 2,600 people in San Diego County remained without power Wednesday afternoon as part of ongoing public safety power shutoffs.

SDGE's website indicates as many as 58,000 customers could be without power due to the public safety power shutoff.

If SDG&E implements a PSPS for public safety, it will open Community Resource Centers to support impacted customers. Given the potential for extended power outages, SDG&E encourages customers to be prepared. Outage preparedness tips can be found at sdge.com/outage-center; safety guidelines for generator use can be found at sdge.com/generator.

"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,