PG&E Activates EOC, Pre-Positions Crews Ahead of Rare Low-Elevation Winter Storm

PG&E mobilizes ahead of rare low-elevation winter storm

Data-driven prepositioning and EOC activation

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is activating its Emergency Operations Center and pre-positioning crews, equipment and materials ahead of a powerful multi-phase winter storm forecast to begin on Monday and weaken by Wednesday evening. PG&E meteorologists warn the system brings gusts up to 60 mph, intense rainfall of roughly 0.5 to 3 inches in mountainous and coastal areas, and unusually low snow levels down to about 2,000 feet with significant accumulations above 3,000 feet, creating outage risks in parts of the Bay Area, Central Coast, San Joaquin Valley, Sierra foothills and higher elevations that are not typically affected.

The utility is leaning on expanded artificial intelligence and machine‑learning enhanced weather models that integrate real‑time atmospheric data, historical outage patterns and mapping to guide strategic placement of crews, poles, transformers and other critical electric equipment closer to forecasted hardest-hit areas. PG&E says the data-driven planning is intended to shorten travel and assessment times, reduce dangerous field exposures and accelerate restoration once conditions are safe to begin work.

Senior leaders including Angie Gibson, vice president of Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Peter Kenny, senior vice president of Electric Transmission and Distribution, emphasize safety as the top priority. PG&E is developing detailed resource and preparedness plans and is prioritizing engagement with state and local partners to coordinate response, with pre-deployments timed to reduce risk to field personnel while maintaining readiness across its service territory.

Customer communications and safety guidance

PG&E is increasing customer outreach and engagement ahead of the storm, noting this is the first snow event of the season to reach such low elevations. The company is urging customers to prepare for possible outages and hazardous travel, and to follow official advisories while crews stage for safe response and restoration.

Operational coordination and timeline

The storm arrives early Monday and progresses through several phases as multiple systems move through the region, sometimes lingering and intensifying wind, rain and snow impacts. PG&E is coordinating closely with emergency partners and says its pre-positioning and EOC activation aim to streamline restoration once crews can safely access affected areas.