LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On Tuesday evening, as a red flag warning was going into effect across parts of Northern California, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. moved forward with shutting off power to 51,000 of its customers across portions of 18 counties, including Lake.

In Lake County, approximately 4,563 customers — including 353 in the Medical Baseline program — had their power turned off starting between 5 and 7 p.m., the company reported.

PG&E spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said the shutoff was expected to impact areas in or near Clearlake Oaks, Kelseyville, Cobb, Lower Lake, Riviera, Clearlake Highlands, Morgan Valley, Spring Valley and Hidden Valley Lake.

The number of Lake County customers to be included in the shutoff doubled earlier in the day, according to PG&E.

The last time a public safety power shutoff took place in Lake County was in December, when only about two dozen customers were impacted.

PG&E said it took the action due to concerns about the incoming weather system, which could bring gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, which could increase fire danger significantly when combined with dry vegetation and low humidity.

The company said it expects the “all clear” will occur on Wednesday afternoon, but Contreras said power restoration is expected to occur on Thursday afternoon.

That’s because, once the windstorm has subsided, PG&E said it will patrol the de-energized lines to ensure they were not damaged and, if necessary, make repairs before restoring power as quickly as possible.

“It is very possible that customers may be affected by a power shutoff even though they are not experiencing extreme weather conditions in their specific location. This is because the electric system relies on power lines working together to provide electricity across cities, counties and regions,” Contreras said.

Due to the smoke from wildland fires around Northern California, the inspection process could be hampered by reduced visibility, the company said.

PG&E is opening 36 community resource centers — 16 outdoor sites and 20 indoor sites — in 17 counties to support customers affected by this event.

The centers initially opened from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and will be open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for the remainder of the shutoff.

In Lake County, four community resource centers are being opened at the following locations:

— Clearlake Senior Community Center, 3245 Bowers Ave., Clearlake.
— Live Oaks Senior Center, 12502 Foothill Blvd., Clearlake Oaks.
— Mountain Lions Club (also known as Little Red Schoolhouse), 15780 Bottle Rock Road, Cobb.
— Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians Red Hills property, 7130 Red Hills Road, Kelseyville.

At the community resource centers, community members can charge medical equipment and electronic devices, get water, snacks and other essential items, and also receive updates on the PSPS. All resource centers will have COVID-19 health guidelines in place.

For updates, visit PG&E’s PSPS website.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.