Strong winds cause power outages across Fresno as storm blows in

Power outages were spreading across the Fresno area as the next winter storm came blowing in.

Strong winds were causing problems Wednesday afternoon. Winds were forecast to blow between 15 and 30 mph, with gusts to 45 mph.

Outages occurred throughout the area, especially southwest of Fresno, where about 1,500 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers were without power as of 4 p.m. Another 1,400 in Fowler were without electricity. Both were resolved by 5:30 p.m.

The CHP reported downed trees along two highways. The Stanislaus Street off-ramp on Highway 99 was closed due to trees and power lines blowing down. And several trees were down at southbound Highway 41 and the Bullard Avenue intersection. Elsewhere, the CHP was reporting utility poles were leaning or had fallen across roadways.

The National Weather Service said showers would occur through 10 p.m., then there would be a chance of more showers and a thunderstorm between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 4 a.m. Thursday. A tenth to a quarter of an inch was forecast to fall in Fresno. Overnight temperatures were forecast in the upper 40s.

A 40 percent chance of showers is in the forecast for Thursday before 10 a.m. After that, skies will turn partly cloudy. Thursday’s high temperature will be 64 degrees.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 4:50 PM with the headline "Strong winds cause power outages across Fresno as storm blows in."