California Power Outages Surge Past 130,000 As 75 MPH Winds And Heavy Rains Hit 14 Counties On Christmas Eve

CALIFORNIA — More than 130,305 customers were without power as of 5 a.m. PST on December 24, as powerful wind gusts nearing 75 mph and heavy rainfall from an atmospheric river pushed across Northern California. Officials warn that the true number of affected residents is significantly higher, as outage reports only reflect households and not the total number of people impacted.

Widespread Outages Stretch 280 Miles Across Northern California

According to early reports, the outages now span over 280 miles, primarily affecting communities in the northern half of the state. A total of 14 counties are experiencing significant disruptions to the electrical grid as destructive winds continue to intensify.

Meteorologists say gusts approaching hurricane-force intensity have placed overwhelming strain on power infrastructure. Fallen trees, damaged lines and repeated electrical faults have contributed to the rapidly rising outage numbers. Maps show large swaths of Northern California under outage alerts, with clusters impacting regions from Chico and Redding to the Bay Area, stretching down through portions of the Central Valley.

75 MPH Wind Gusts Place Power Grid Under Extreme Stress

Forecasters report that wind speeds reaching 75 mph in some locations are among the primary drivers of the widespread blackouts. These gusts are interacting with saturated soil and vulnerable terrain, increasing the risk of power poles being uprooted or damaged by falling debris.

Officials warn that even as crews work to restore power, continuing wind gusts could lead to new outages throughout the day, making recovery operations difficult and unpredictable. Some communities may see extended restoration times depending on damage severity.

Heavy Rains From Atmospheric River Add Flooding Concerns

Alongside the damaging winds, a surge of moisture tied to a strong atmospheric river is bringing widespread heavy rainfall across Northern California. Forecasters expect the rain to continue throughout the day, raising concerns over flooding, mudslides, and hazardous travel in already saturated areas.

Low-lying regions, burn scars and steep terrain remain particularly vulnerable as rain rates increase and rivers rise. Emergency officials are urging residents to stay aware of local alerts and avoid flooded roadways.

State Officials Warn More Outages Likely As Conditions Continue

Meteorologists say conditions through Christmas Eve will remain dangerous, with continued strong winds and steady rainfall making the possibility of additional outages extremely likely. With more than 130,000 customers already affected, utility companies are working to deploy crews as quickly as possible but warn that full restoration may take time.

Residents in the affected counties are encouraged to prepare for prolonged disruptions, secure outdoor items that could become airborne in high winds, and monitor emergency updates through the holiday. If you are experiencing outages or severe weather impacts in California, share your updates and follow continuing coverage at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.