California

Light Rain in Bay Area, Weather Causes Power Outages in 7 Cities in East Bay

The light rain that scattered across the Bay Area Thursday morning - a much welcome sign from the skies during the state's drought - is also suspected to be behind a power outage that struck about 12,000 East Bay customers at its peak.

A PG&E spokesperson said Thursday afternoon that power has been restored to most customers. About 980 customers in Richmond, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Albany, San Pablo and El Sobrante were still affected by dozens of separate outages as of 12:45 p.m.

PG&E spokesman J.D. Guidi said the outages in seven cities, which began just before 12:30 a.m., occurred because of the rain affecting power poles. NBC Bay Area cameras captured images of sparks shooting out of utlity poles in San Pablo.

The Edison Electric Institute shows that 70 percent of the power outages in the United States are weather related, when such things as lightning, rain, snow, ice, wind and even dust can lead to short circuits and power failure.

The majority of the affected customers are in Richmond, where more than 400 homes and businesses remained without power this afternoon.

"We've had all hands on deck, with crews from around the Bay Area working through the night and will continue to do so until these outages are restored," PG&E spokeswoman Tamar Sarkissian said.

She said all customers should see their power back on by this afternoon.

"After a dry season, dust and dirt can accumulate on power lines and when the first light rain comes through, it can turn that dirt into mud, which conducts electricity," Sarkissian said.

PG&E is investigating the total extent of damage done to equipment during the outages.

The utility is reminding the public to stay away from any downed power lines and to call 911 to report them.

The California Highway Patrol also warned motorists to drive safely during the season's first light drizzle, when oil becomes slick on the roads.

Still, the wet weather is much needed as California in one of the most severe droughts on record.

"Any rain is a welcome sight," NBC Bay Area meteorologist Christina Loren said.

 Bay City News and NBC Bay Area's Ingrid Almaz contributed to this report.

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