I spend a lot of time on US101 and in the communities that are burning now in Northern California. Following this disaster is very, very disturbing because I know the highways and roads and the terrain so well.
I watched all night when the Kincade fire started and was shocked, but that was nothing compared to the last several hours. Seeing what 70mph winds do to a fire is downright scary.
For 24-hour live coverage, try http://www.kronon.tv .
Now, overlaid on the fire are the pre-emptive power outages. They really aren’t that bad considering they are done to prevent the fires, but in this case that justification is fairly meaningless. Consider that where the fires are burning ( a lot of area) the lines are burning, too. Getting those repaired will be a long project, so the entire region is going to be powerless for many weeks.
PG&E is being beat to a pulp after already filing for bankruptcy, and their stock price will be tanking very soon. Yet they are the only outfit that will be expected to restore their system. I wonder if they aren’t considering handing the front door keys to the governor and walking away from it all. I would.