Winds knock down wires and leave about 7,500 SMUD customers without power in Carmichael
CARMICHAEL, Calif. — Strong winds swept through Carmichael, downing electrical wires and triggering outages that affected roughly 7,500 Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) customers, with outages extending into parts of Rancho Cordova.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District reported downed wires in the area, and crews from SMUD responded to the scene. Trees were also reported down near Fair Oaks Boulevard and Manzanita Avenue. Heather Auguh, a college student in the neighborhood, recalled the moment the wind kicked in during class, followed by a power outage. Officials said school leaders delayed activities and sent students home after generators failed to come online within about 30 minutes.
SMUD noted that the outages were weather-related and that significant winds were reported in the vicinity. Crews have been able to restore power to most customers as they continue work to address remaining outages and ensure all lines are safe to use.
What to know and what’s next
– Restoration: Power has been restored for many affected customers, but some outages may persist as crews finish assessments and repairs.
– Safety: Do not touch downed power lines or attempt to move anything contacting a line; stay clear of trees or debris that may conceal hazards.
– Ongoing conditions: Windy weather can bring additional hazards and outages, so officials warn residents to stay prepared and monitor updates from SMUD and local agencies.
Summary and outlook
A wind event caused widespread outages in Carmichael and nearby areas, with SMUD crews working to safely restore service. The incident underscores the impact of severe weather on infrastructure and the importance of staying safe around damaged electrical equipment. Crews will continue inspections and repairs as weather conditions allow, aiming to fully restore service in the affected neighborhoods. Positive note: utility crews are actively addressing the situation and power restoration is progressing for most customers.