Power outage strands thousands across Mother Lode, creates traffic hazards
Thousands of residents across the Mother Lode were left without electricity Tuesday as utility crews responded to multiple incidents caused by fallen trees and storm conditions. Local highway and public-safety officials also flagged a series of traffic hazards — from vehicles stuck in snow to downed phone lines and a sinkhole — that have complicated restoration and travel efforts.
Scope and causes of the power outage
The utility says 5, 389 customers are without power in a broad area covering Vallecito, Forest Meadows and Arnold. That update came at 3: 12 pm ET, and the utility has not provided an estimated full restoration time for that widespread outage.
Earlier disruptions included an overnight outage near Arnold when a tree fell into a power line shortly after midnight local time. That event affected 246 customers in the Pine Knoll Drive area; by 10: 15 am ET most of those had been restored, with about 30 customers still without power and full restoration expected by 4: 00 pm ET.
Another incident between Big Hill and Cedar Ridge left 45 customers without service after a tree struck a line along Charles Otter Drive at about 2: 00 am ET on Tuesday. Crews aimed to complete repairs by 6: 30 pm ET.
Separately, there are now 166 customers without electricity in the Tuolumne corridor tied to two separate outages impacting North Tuolumne Road, Knox Road, Slope Lane, Confluence Road and Mt. Provo Road, an update given at 12: 30 pm ET. Crews continue to isolate each fault and make localized repairs.
Utility crews are prioritizing safety while working to assess damage and restore service. Residents are reminded to treat any downed power line as energized and dangerous; do not approach or touch lines or objects in contact with them.
Traffic impacts and local hazards complicate recovery
Storm-related conditions have created additional hazards for drivers and utility crews. At 3: 28 pm ET authorities flagged a vehicle stuck in snow in the 22000 block of Black Oak Drive in Twain Harte. Snow and icy roads are slowing the movement of crews and emergency responders in some mountain areas.
Phone lines were reported in the roadway along Broadhurst Drive near Sierra Pines Drive in Twain Harte, creating an electrical and tripping hazard for motorists and pedestrians. County officials are also investigating a sinkhole that has taken out a lane of Italian Bar Road just under two miles outside Columbia, forcing partial closures and detours while engineers assess the pavement for safe travel.
Motorists are urged to slow down, be alert for crews and emergency vehicles, and avoid areas where lines or debris are present. Chain control and other winter driving restrictions may be in effect on regional highways; check local highway advisories before traveling into higher elevations.
What residents should do now
If you are without power, conserve refrigerator and freezer contents by keeping doors closed and using coolers for essentials if outages persist. Use generators only in well-ventilated outdoor locations and follow manufacturer safety guidance to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical backfeed.
Report outages and downed lines to the utility so crews have up-to-date information on the number and location of incidents. If you encounter a downed line or damaged electrical equipment, maintain a wide perimeter and contact emergency services. Residents should also watch for updates on school and local government closures, as officials have already announced some disruptions for Tuesday.
Crews continue to work through the afternoon and evening ET hours to restore service where it is safe to do so. Officials emphasize patience as crews deal with multiple simultaneous incidents in difficult conditions.
