Heavy rains knock out power to more than 1,000 residents

Some 1,113 customers lost power Wednesday afternoon after parts of a eucalyptus tree fell onto a power line amid heavy rainfall during the ongoing atmospheric river.

The power outage impacting Paradise Drive neighbors in Tiburon and unincorporated areas was first reported at 2:10 p.m. Jan. 31, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. spokesperson Megan McFarland said in an email. She added these rains can lead to damaged equipment and power outages, such as through the eucalyptus tree’s parts falling onto a power line. Tiburon’s Pamela Court gauge saw 2.17 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.

A PG&E worker was immediately sent to the scene to assess the problem, and the utility was able to restore power to all customers by 2:55 p.m., McFarland said.

McFarland added that during intense storms, vegetation can hit and take down power lines. She said those who observe downed power lines should stay away from it and assume it’s energized and call both 911 and PG&E to report the downed line.

Reach Tiburon reporter Francisco Martinez at 415-944-4634.