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Hawaiian Electric has extended its Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch through Nov. 13 as strong trade winds and dry conditions increase wildfire risk, particularly on Maui and Hawaii Island.
The utility said the greatest risk is expected Wednesday, Nov. 11, as an approaching high-pressure system brings strong winds that could dry out vegetation.
A PSPS Watch does not mean power will be shut off, but Hawaiian Electric could shut off electricity in high-risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires. Customers are urged to prepare for possible extended outages.
Hawaiian Electric considers three conditions when determining whether to implement a shutoff: persistent drought, wind gusts of 45 mph or higher and relative humidity below 45%.
The company also warned that wind-related outages unrelated to the PSPS program could occur. If outages happen at night, power will remain off until crews can inspect equipment and make necessary repairs.
For more information and maps of affected areas, call Hawaiian Electric's PSPS hotline at 1-844-483-8666 or visit hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS.