Thousands without power throughout Fresno as high winds continue to cause problems

Power outages were reported by PG&E throughout Fresno on Monday evening as high winds continue.

A low-pressure weather system that moved into the central San Joaquin Valley has resulted in many reports of power lines and trees down.

According to the PG&E Outage Map, outages have been reported throughout the city with a majority reported in central Fresno affecting 2,424 customers. PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles said that the outage in central neighborhoods was weather-related, but there was no time estimate for power restoration.

Another pocket of outages was reported near Ashlan and Highway 99, affecting around 1,097 customers, and another 2,119 affected in southeast Fresno.

The high winds are blowing dust and sand causing lower visibility and increasing particulate matter 10 microns or smaller, (PM10) in the air, creating hazardous breathing conditions, especially for those with breathing and lung conditions.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District urged people with heart or lung disease to follow doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure.