Triple-Digit Temps Zap Power for 23,000 in SoCal

Electric companies scramble as 23,000 homes lose power
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 3, 2007 3:05 PM CDT
Triple-Digit Temps Zap Power for 23,000 in SoCal
Seasonal temperatures in the 80s and 90s, the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for the Coachella Valley and San Diego County deserts, which were expected to reach temperatures between 112 and 120. Highs to 117 were expected through the end of the week in Kern County deserts.(AP...   (Associated Press)

Continued triple-digit temperatures across Southern California fried transformers as everyone turned on the AC, knocking out power across the region. The LA Times reports  21,000 homes were still waiting for power last night, and Southern California Edison was scrambling to keep up. "We need is a break in the weather to slow the pace in calls," a spokesman said.

More than 100 crews are working to restore power to affected areas. Meanwhile, scattered fires started due to lightning strikes and other causes. Some areas have been evacuated, but no injuries have been reported so far. Temperatures should head back down soon: "It will feel more like normal by Thursday and Friday," says one meteorologist. (More California stories.)

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