Slug Safe: Power outages, high-wind advisory through 1 p.m. Wednesday

To: UCSC Community

From: Public Affairs

Power is out at the residential campus, the Westside Research Park, and the Coastal Science Campus. PG&E has not yet offered an estimated restoration time.

Campus electricians are currently working to diagnose and resolve an issue with the cogeneration plant, which provides backup power to several facilities at the residential campus.

The campus will provide an update when it has more information to share about power restoration and the status of the cogeneration plant. The campus community is encouraged to exercise extra caution with the current outage and extreme weather conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued a High-Wind Warning for Santa Cruz County and much of the San Francisco Bay Area through 1 p.m. Wednesday. There is also a frost advisory from midnight Wednesday to 9 a.m. Thursday. The advisory warns of northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected at higher elevations. Temperatures as low as 34 degrees will result in frost.

Forecast information, including any warnings, can be found on the National Weather Service Forecast Page. The service also offers regular wind and weather updates through its NWS Bay Area Twitter feed.

Be on the lookout for downed tree limbs and power lines. Extra precaution should be used when driving. Campus emergency personnel are monitoring conditions on and around campus and will respond as necessary. If you do see a downed power line, never approach it, even if it is not actively arcing or sparking. Report all downed wires to 911.

Information Technology Services recommends that all computers, scanners, and other electronic equipment be shut off and unplugged when not in use to protect devices from power surges.