Widespread power outage near me affects Mother Lode communities as crews work on restorations
Multiple isolated incidents of downed lines and storm damage left thousands of residents across the Mother Lode region without electricity Tuesday. Utility crews have mobilized for repairs, but timelines vary by location and some hazards remain on area roadways.
Where outages are hitting and how many are affected
Power interruptions were reported across several pockets of the region. Early Tuesday morning, roughly 246 customers near Arnold lost service shortly after midnight local time; that is just after 3: 00 am ET. Crews were able to restore the majority of those customers by midmorning, but about 30 customers remained without power as of 10: 15 am ET, with full restoration expected by 4: 00 pm ET.
Later updates showed a much larger outage footprint: by 3: 12 pm ET, more than 5, 300 customers were without power in a widespread area that includes Vallecito, Forest Meadows and Arnold. In addition, two separate incidents left about 166 customers without electricity in parts of the Tuolumne area, affecting roads including North Tuolumne Road, Knox Road, Slope Lane, Confluence Road and Mt. Provo Road. An earlier outage between Big Hill and Cedar Ridge left roughly 45 customers without power after a tree struck a line around 2: 00 am ET Tuesday.
Restoration efforts and roadway hazards
Crews are working to clear fallen trees, make repairs to damaged lines and replace impacted equipment. Restoration progress has been uneven: some neighborhoods were restored relatively quickly, while larger, more widespread outages are expected to take longer because of access issues and storm debris.
Traffic and road safety remain concerns. Emergency responders and county officials are addressing several hazards: a vehicle stuck in snow on Black Oak Drive in Twain Harte, phone lines lying in the roadway near Broadhurst Drive and Sierra Pines Drive, and an investigation into a sinkhole affecting a lane on Italian Bar Road near Columbia. These conditions are complicating crew access in some areas and increasing the time required for safe repairs.
Residents should assume downed lines are energized and give them a wide berth. Do not attempt to move fallen trees or equipment that is tangled with power infrastructure; instead notify emergency services and the utility so trained crews can secure the scene.
Practical steps for residents while power is out
If you are experiencing an outage, check your home for potential safety hazards: unplug sensitive electronics, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve cold temperatures, and use flashlights rather than candles when possible. If you rely on medical devices that require power, make alternate arrangements immediately.
Report outages through the utility’s outage map or emergency contact line and follow local law enforcement and road crews’ instructions about closures and detours. Avoid any contact with downed lines and keep children and pets away from areas where lines or poles have fallen.
Officials say crews will continue working into the evening to restore service where it’s safe and feasible. Residents should monitor local advisories and be prepared for intermittent outages as crews isolate damaged sections, make repairs and re-energize lines.
