Strong storms, of course, also have residents on edge about losing their electricity, especially in the foothills, where the drought has weakened trees. PG and E spokesperson Brandi Ehlers-Merlo says they’re utilizing advanced technology that’s allowed them to restore power much more quickly, compared to years past…

click to listen to Brandi Ehlers-Merlo

The utility says it’s also using more sophisticated storm prediction models crafted by company meteorologists. Merlo says PG and E has vegetation management crews pre-positioned. She says they’ve made major strides in reducing tree hazards…

click to listen to Brandi Ehlers-Merlo

The utility also urges a personal or family preparedness plan. That includes a clearly-outlined evacuation route, as well as having plenty of batteries on hand for flashlights, radios, and laptops. For outage updates, call 743-5002 or go to PGE dot-com. Meanwhile, PG and E is also cautioning those going near the South Yuba River to be aware of higher and changing flows that have not occurred in several years. The dam at Lake Spaulding could spill for several days, increasing flows by several-fold and well above the normal seasonal flows for this time of year. That could be along about 40 miles of the river, between the lake and Englebright Dam in Yuba County.