Storm Knocks Out Power to Over 7,000 in Bay Area

Thousands of customers across the Peninsula and South Bay lost electricity due to a storm sweeping through the region.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A storm system moving through the San Francisco Bay Area on Thursday morning knocked out power to more than 7,000 customers across the Peninsula and South Bay, according to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. The utility reported outages in several counties, including San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, and San Francisco.

Why it matters

Power outages can disrupt daily life, impact businesses, and pose risks to vulnerable populations, especially during extreme weather events. The Bay Area is prone to storms that can damage electrical infrastructure and leave thousands without electricity, raising concerns about grid resilience and the region's ability to withstand the impacts of climate change.

The details

PG&E initially reported 4,107 customers affected in San Mateo County neighborhoods, which was later updated to 2,929 customers. The utility's outage map showed over 3,000 people without power in San Mateo County, over 2,100 in Santa Clara County, and over 1,500 in Alameda County. PG&E attributed the outages to the ongoing storm system, which the National Weather Service said could produce lightning, gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and small hail.

  • The power outage alert in San Mateo County was issued at 8:23 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • By 9:03 a.m., the number of affected customers in San Mateo County had been updated to 2,929.
  • As of 10 a.m., Alameda County reported over 1,500 people without power, but that was down to 181 people by 10:50 a.m.

The players

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

A utility company that provides electricity and natural gas to customers in Northern and Central California.

National Weather Service

A government agency that provides weather forecasts, warnings, and data to the public.

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The takeaway

This power outage event highlights the vulnerability of the Bay Area's electrical grid to extreme weather conditions and the need for continued investment in infrastructure resilience to ensure reliable service for residents and businesses, especially as the region faces the growing impacts of climate change.