SDG&E begins cutting power as Santa Ana winds pick up in San Diego County

Santa Ana winds picked up across San Diego County Monday, prompting a red flag warning for the most wind-prone areas and power shut-offs for some San Diego Gas & Electric customers.

A red flag warning is in effect until at least 10 p.m. Tuesday for inland valleys and mountain areas throughout the county, according to the National Weather Service. The warning is issued when low humidity and gusty winds combine to create critical fire weather in the area.

Amid the elevated fire weather, SDG&E began cutting electricity to hundreds of customers in order to prevent strong winds from downing powerlines and sparking wildfires -- which is one of the top causes of wildfires. In all, more than 83,000 customers were warned they could experience public safety power shutoffs. You can check if you live in one of the potentially affected communities on SDG&E's website.

It's already pretty windy out there!🍃 Some spots have already gusted over 60 mph, with winds expected to increase into this evening. Check out all these locations gusting over 45 mph (including Ontario Int'l which gusted to 56 mph earlier!): https://t.co/Cw9mo2WmuB

— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 20, 2025

"Winds will begin to increase on Monday afternoon, peaking in intensity overnight into Tuesday morning. Confidence for winds over 40 mph are about 65-80% across the mountains and 35-50% for inland valleys and foothills. Widespread wind gusts over 30 mph will occur across inland valleys west of the mountains, with local gusts over 60 mph below passes and through canyons," the NWS said.

Also adding to fire weather conditions was humidity levels below 15%.

The strongest winds were expected overnight into Tuesday. A high wind warning is set to take effect for the same areas from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Even after the warning expires, strong gusts will continue into Wednesday and will pick up again on Thursday.

"This round won’t be as strong, but it will still bring an elevated fire threat," NBC 7 Meteorologist Brooke Martell said.

Coastal San Diego will see a mix of partly cloudy and clear conditions through the week, with highs in the mid-60s to low 70s.

Inland valleys should also expect some partly cloudy conditions in the mornings and light winds beginning in the week, with some sun spread out the week and highs reaching the low 70s.

Mountain areas are expected to see mostly sunny conditions through the week, with highs averaging in the 50s and a slight chance of showers and snow level at 5000 feet in the morning by the weekend.

Marine forecasters said strong winds could develop Monday night, with strong gusts up to 25 knots possible over the waters late Monday night into Tuesday morning. No hazardous marine conditions are expected through Wednesday.

"Offshore flow will develop late Monday with Santa Ana Winds late Monday through Tuesday, and possibly again Thursday," the NWS said.