Wind warning in effect through Tuesday
Dec. 27—A powerful wind storm Monday night through Tuesday will increase the risk of downed trees and power outages across a widespread area, including the Rogue Valley.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the Medford area, with gusts reaching as high as 48 mph Monday night and 28 mph Tuesday. The area is likely to see heavy rain Monday night, followed by lighter rain Tuesday, with winds dropping to 6-8 mph Tuesday night, according to the agency's forecast.
Pacific Power is urging people to be prepared for power outages from Crescent City, California, to Portland.
Pacific Power said its meteorology team is closely monitoring forecasts, and field personnel are prepping for wind-related impacts Monday night and into Tuesday. Forecasts call for potentially damaging winds to hit Crescent City and Yreka, California, by 8 p.m. Monday. The storm will work its way north, bringing high winds to coastal areas and inland valleys.
To be prepared for outages, maintain an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, battery-operated radio or clock, extra batteries, nonperishable foods, a manual can opener, bottled water and blankets, Pacific Power advised.
If a power outage occurs, Pacific Power encourages customers to first check their fuses and circuit breakers. If the power failure is not caused inside the home or business, customers should report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088 or by texting OUT to 722797.
The Pacific Power App for mobile devices can help during an outage. Customers can report and track outages affecting them using their mobile devices. The free app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
When storms do hit, Pacific Power recommends:
* Stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if lines aren't sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Call 911 immediately, then report it to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.
* Don't drive over downed power lines.
* Extensive rain may cause flooding or landslides. Be especially careful of any standing water or soggy ground. A live, downed wire may seem to be a safe distance away, but it's still extremely dangerous because wet conditions can transmit electricity.
