A Flex Alert was issued by the manager of the state’s power grid for the fifth consecutive day Sunday as the region approaches some of the hottest temperatures yet amid a punishing heatwave.
Excessive heat warnings were in effect until at least 8 p.m. Tuesday for the mountains and inland communities in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, as well as both inland and along the coast in Orange County.
As in previous Flex Alerts, California residents are asked to limit their electricity use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday, which includes setting thermostats at 78 degrees or higher and avoiding the use of major appliances.
Temperatures reaching into triple digits will likely stick around into next week, according to the National Weather Service.
Electrical demand reached 47,357 megawatts on Thursday, the highest figure since September 2017, according to the California Independent System Operator. Officials said the demand could exceed 49,000 megawatts on Sunday, and into next week as temperatures continue to climb.
Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm warning for Riverside and eastern Orange counties on Saturday afternoon was canceled around 3:30 p.m., the National Weather Service announced.
The system, which originated near Lake Elsinore, was still making its way over the Santa Ana mountains around 2:30 p.m., with lightning strikes spotted near Trabuco Canyon. Although it was expected to be severe, the storm weakened and no longer posed an immediate threat to life or property, the NWS said.
The system was previously expected to touch down in Orange County east of the 5 Freeway around 3 p.m, but weakened and longer posed an immediate threat to life or property, meteorologists said.
There were no reports of hail, which was in the warning, NWS meteorologist Brandt Maxwell added.
NWS authorities said lightning could become a possible danger to residents and, paired with 60 mph winds, carried an increased risk of starting fires.
The system initially was expected to affect areas including southwestern Lake Elsinore, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ortega Highway, Trabuco Canyon, Las Flores, Temescal Valley, Trabuco Highlands, Lakeland Village, and Coto De Caza.
A flash flood warning beginning at 3 p.m. was also issued for Rancho Santa Margarita and Trabuco Canyon.
Source: Orange County Register
Be First to Comment