Power Outages Leave Thousands in the Foothills Trying to Stay Warm

A blast of severe weather has left thousands of residents in California’s Foothills without electricity, forcing many families to find ways to stay warm as temperatures dip.

The hardest-hit area is Calaveras County, where widespread power outages were reported following strong winds and storm activity.

Utility crews are working to restore service, but officials say challenging conditions have slowed progress in some areas.

For residents who rely on electric heat, the outages have turned into more than an inconvenience.

Severe weather moved through the Foothills earlier this week, bringing high winds and heavy precipitation that damaged infrastructure and knocked out electricity across multiple counties.

In Calaveras County, thousands of utility customers were left without power at the height of the storm.

A spokesperson for Pacific Gas and Electric Company said crews were dispatched as soon as conditions allowed.

“Strong winds and downed trees have caused damage to lines and equipment,” the spokesperson said. “Our teams are working around the clock to safely restore service.”

Outages were reported in both rural communities and small towns scattered across the county’s mountainous terrain.

Severe Weather Impact Across the Foothills

The storm system brought a mix of rain at lower elevations and snow in higher terrain, along with gusty winds that toppled branches and entire trees.

In the Sierra Foothills, overhead power lines are particularly vulnerable during wind-driven storms.

Emergency officials in Calaveras County said residents should avoid downed lines and report hazards immediately.

“When power is out and temperatures are low, safety becomes the priority,” a county emergency management representative said. “We’re encouraging people to check on neighbors, especially seniors.”

The combination of cold temperatures and prolonged outages has raised concerns about heating, food storage, and access to water for some residents.

Timeline of the Storm and Outages

Early Week: Severe weather enters the Foothills region, bringing wind and precipitation.

During Peak Storm Activity: Trees fall onto power lines, triggering outages across multiple service areas.

Following Day: Thousands remain without electricity as repair crews assess damage and begin restoration efforts.

Utility companies say restoration timelines depend on accessibility and the extent of infrastructure damage.

Remote and forested areas often take longer to restore due to debris and road conditions.

Residents Try to Stay Warm

With temperatures dropping overnight, many households turned to alternative heating sources.

Local officials cautioned against unsafe heating practices, including indoor use of generators or propane grills.

“Carbon monoxide is a serious risk during outages,” the county emergency management representative said. “Generators should always be used outdoors and away from homes.”

Some residents reported using fireplaces or wood-burning stoves where available. Others sought temporary shelter with family or friends in areas with electricity.

Community centers in some parts of the region monitored conditions in case warming shelters were needed.

Infrastructure Challenges in Mountainous Terrain

Power restoration in the Foothills can be complicated by geography.

Calaveras County’s terrain includes winding roads, dense forests, and elevated areas that are harder for repair crews to access during storms.

Utility officials noted that fallen trees are a primary cause of outages during wind events.

Crews must first clear debris before repairing damaged lines or replacing poles.

In some cases, damage assessments require aerial inspections before ground crews can begin work.

Public Reaction and Community Response

Residents shared updates on local community pages, posting information about outage areas and offering assistance to neighbors.

The outages highlighted the region’s vulnerability during winter weather.

“Living in the Foothills means we have to be prepared for outages,” one resident said in a community forum. “But it’s still tough when it happens during a cold snap.”

Local officials emphasized preparedness kits, including flashlights, extra blankets, bottled water, and backup batteries.

Key Facts: Foothills Power Outages

Event	Location	Date	Who Is Affected	Current Status	What Readers Should Know
Severe weather causing power outages	Calaveras County and surrounding Foothills, CA	February 2026	Thousands of utility customers	Restoration ongoing	Downed trees and wind damage impacted power lines
Major outage concentration	Calaveras County	February 2026	Rural and small-town residents	Crews working to restore service	Mountain terrain may delay repairs
Cold weather risk	Sierra Foothills region	February 2026	Households relying on electric heat	Monitoring conditions	Use generators safely and avoid indoor carbon monoxide risks

What Happens Next

Utility providers continue restoration efforts, prioritizing areas with the largest number of affected customers.

Officials say full restoration timelines vary depending on damage severity and weather conditions.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official outage maps and local emergency alerts for updates.

Weather conditions are expected to stabilize, which could allow crews to accelerate repairs.

FAQs

Why are there power outages in Calaveras County?

Strong winds and severe weather damaged power lines and equipment across the Foothills.

How many people are affected?

Thousands of utility customers in Calaveras County were without power at the peak of the storm.

When will electricity be restored?

Restoration times vary depending on location and damage. Utility crews are working to restore service as quickly as possible.

Is it safe to use generators indoors?

No. Generators should only be used outdoors and away from homes to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Are warming shelters open?

Local officials are monitoring conditions and may open warming centers if needed.

What should residents do during outages?

Use flashlights instead of candles, keep refrigerator doors closed, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Conclusion

Severe weather in California’s Foothills has left thousands in Calaveras County without power, underscoring the region’s vulnerability during wind-driven storms.

Utility crews remain in the field, working to restore service while residents manage cold temperatures and temporary disruptions.

Officials urge continued caution until electricity is fully restored and weather conditions improve. Residents should stay informed through local emergency updates and utility notifications as recovery efforts continue.