The official word is still hope for the best,prepare for the worst

From First District Supervisor Rex Bohn:

"This was this AM we are 4   6 is not us.  They are saying if winds exceed the limits here we go if not we are good.  Plan to err on the side of caution hope for the best. Pray for those in danger or have experienced losses. This is the in the hands of the WEATHER."

From EPD Chief Watson:

"Good afternoon, everyone.  I want to share with you the latest update regarding the impending Public Safety Power Shut-off for today (10/29/19).  The weather pattern (extreme conditions including low humidity and high winds) PG&E is tracking, which will cause dangerous conditions for our main power transmission lines coming into Humboldt County (and parts of Humboldt and surrounding counties as well), is not materializing as quickly as previously projected. "



"As a result, while all of Humboldt County is currently still "in scope" for another Public Safety Power Shut-off (PSPS) sometime today (10/29), the de-energization initiation time is being pushed back until later today than the originally anticipated (per PG&E) 4:00 AM start time (which was later moved again to 7:00 AM).  We were not given a more specific start time."

"PG&E's thought is to try to keep our power on for as long as possible before they feel the need exists to de-energize and they are monitoring the weather closely for this.  Keep in mind that PG&E will initiate de-energization 1-4 hours before the weather event hits so that they can be certain the power is off before the dangerous red flag conditions are present."

"Residents are encouraged to prepare for loss of power to occur at any point and to remain out for another night."

"According to PG&E's latest PSPS situation report that I've seen, Humboldt County is currently in Time Period 4 for this 10/29 event.  They projected that after our power goes off today, the “all clear” declaration followed by re-energization may start as early as 8:00 AM tomorrow morning.  Keep in mind that the process of restoration of power will take from several hours (at best) to even up to 48 hours.  They have to inspect all the distribution and transmission lines for damage and make repairs. (As I understand it, when the power to their grid is off, they lose the ability/sensors to remotely monitor their lines for problems so they have to visually inspect. Sometimes this can be done, during daylight hours, via helicopter overflights but not always.)"

"Driving into Eureka today you will have noticed that even though power is currently restored, our traffic control lights along Broadway and elsewhere remain in flashing mode with barricades and stop signs in place (these intersections should be treated as 4-way stops).  The reason behind this is the uncertain timing of the next de-energization period.  It takes our public works crews (for the non-Caltrans/Highway 101 corridor intersections) 1 1/2 - 2 hours to complete these traffic control measures.  For your safety, the City doesn't want the power to go off without traffic control signs and barricades already in place. Caltrans is mirroring what the City is doing."

"There is a great deal of understandable frustration over the inconsistent, inaccurate and constantly changing situation updates coming from PG&E.  We (your public safety agencies, cities, and county governments) share that frustration which is also creating a lot of extra planning, work and late hours for our staff.  So, keep in mind all of these updates are subject to change (and often have been).  With all the rumors and divergent "facts" and information being shared across social media, I feel it is important to remind everyone that you should rely on Humboldt County OES (Office of Emergency Services) for the best available information regarding these PSPS events.  OES is fully operational and staffed at this time and in regular contact with PG&E's team."

"The City of Eureka/EPD also has an agency representative assigned in County Emergency Operations Center during the daylight operational periods.  PSPS conference calls are being held at least three times a day which County OES, City of Eureka, EPD and other local agencies participate in. County OES then pushes out key information to the public and their community partners via civic alerts/news flashes (https://humboldtgov.org), text alerts, etc.  The City of Eureka and Humboldt Bay Fire have also periodically pushing out PSPS related press releases to inform the public."

"From Ryan Derby, the acting EOC Manager for Humboldt County: "Humboldt County OES is dedicated to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information as possible. Please refer to our Humboldt OES Facebook page for current updates. We will provide information direct from PG&E that has been confirmed by our PG&E poin"t of contact and EOC leadership."

"In conclusion, overall Humboldt County and the City of Eureka have been weathering this series of PSPS well, as challenging and frustrating as they have been for all.  We are here for you.  Your safety is our priority and EPD will continue staffing extra officers on patrol as necessary. Continue taking care of yourselves and your neighbors.  Drive slowly and defensively, especially when in town. Take this experience as an opportunity to better prepare for the next PSPS event or natural disaster.  We're going to be fine and will get through these events together."