Power Shutdown Looms for Flagstaff Amid High Wind Warnings
As high winds sweep through the Flagstaff region, nearly 6,000 households and businesses may face power outages on Wednesday. The Arizona Public Service (APS) has warned that electricity may be cut to mitigate wildfire risks.
The decision by APS stems from concerns that the combination of rapidly changing weather conditions, dry terrain, and intense winds could lead to wildfires, with electrical equipment potentially being a contributing factor.
Eastern Flagstaff residents are likely to be the most affected, alongside communities such as Cosnino and Doney Park. The utility company stated that power interruptions might begin as early as 9 a.m. on Wednesday. However, the exact duration will depend on how the weather evolves and the extent of any damage to power infrastructure.
Carter Humphreys from the National Weather Service noted that wind gusts could reach up to 50 miles per hour. He explained, “This is fairly typical for this time of year. We just get these systems that pass through to our north and create some breezy to gusty winds as we head into spring. So, you know, 40 to 50 miles an hour in the spring isn’t really anything too uncommon.”
Humphreys advised residents to remain cautious and take appropriate fire safety measures, such as avoiding parking on grassy areas and refraining from discarding cigarettes out of vehicle windows.
