As of January 15, 2025, Southern California continues to grapple with extensive power outages affecting millions, caused by a severe windstorm and accompanying wildfires. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reports that yesterday evening the number of outages surged, with about 500,000 customers impacted across the region. The LADWP has mobilized over 350 crews to restore power, yet weather conditions hinder their efforts. Long power outages have sparked frustration among residents in the Inland Empire, who are struggling with the loss of heating and air conditioning amid the ongoing crisis. Reports from local authorities indicate that parts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties have seen some of the worst disruptions, with over 100,000 residents without electricity. ‘It’s incredibly frustrating, especially with the kids at home. We can’t cook or even entertain ourselves—everything is pitch black,’ expressed Maria Gonzalez, a resident of Riverside. Additionally, evacuation orders have been issued for several areas close to active fires, with firefighters battling multiple blazes fueled by high winds. LADWP is working diligently to restore service, but they caution residents that full restoration may take a significant amount of time due to the scale of the outages, with some regions expected to remain without power for days. ‘We are doing everything we can to expedite the restoration process, but safety is our number one priority,’ stated a spokesperson for LADWP. Emergency services and local organizations have begun distributing food and supplies to those in need, but challenges remain as roads become impeded by fallen trees and other debris.
Southern California Faces Widespread Power Outages Amid Severe Windstorm and Wildfires
