Thousands lose electricity as winds batter L.A., Orange counties

(FOX 11/CNS) - Utility crews were working Tuesday to restore electricity to about 3,700 customers in Los Angeles and Orange counties whose power was knocked out by gusty Santa Ana winds.

As of about daybreak, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was reporting that about 500 customers were without electricity in Sherman Oaks, with a handful of others in various other parts of the city. The figure is down from a high of about 8,900 on Monday.

Southern California Edison reported that 2,978 customers in Los Angeles County and 200 customers in Orange County were without power, down from a high of more than 53,000 customers in both counties on Monday.

Most of the outages were attributed to the gusty winds. But as the winds continue, customers in some areas might have their power cut voluntarily.

Utility companies such as Edison monitor conditions during extreme fire conditions and can cut power in select areas to reduce fire danger from damaged electrical lines.