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SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Some power has been restored to San Francisco on Saturday night after about 130,000 customers — 30% of the city — were blacked out.

PG&E’s online outage status reported the number of customers without power had fallen to 95,280, or 23% of San Francisco, at 8:50 p.m. As of 9:45 p.m., PG&E said 70% of its customers’ power had been restored.

Mayor Daniel Lurie confirmed in a 10 p.m. Saturday update that customers were seeing their power restored.

A PG&E spokesperson told ABC7’s Anser Hassan that more power would be restored around midnight.

As of Sunday at 11:30 a.m., PG&E restored power to 110,000 customers. The utility company says it’s working to bring back power to 20,000 customers primarily in the Presidio, Richmond District, Golden Gate Park and small areas of downtown San Francisco.

Outages were first reported Saturday in the Inner Sunset neighborhood at about 9:40 a.m., affecting about 14,700 customers. At 10:10 a.m., more outages were reported impacting about 25,000 customers in the Richmond District, the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Inner Sunset District, and near the Civic Center.

Scattered outages were later reported in parts of the Tenderloin and downtown before spreading to several areas around the city, including parts of the Mission District, the Chase Center, the Western Addition and other neighborhoods.

San Francisco city officials asked the public to not call 911 to report power outages, “unless there is a life safety emergency. Keep 911 phone open for emergencies.”

Lurie asked the public to stay off the streets because many traffic lights were out across the city.

The problem was centered on a substation at 8th Street and Mission Streets in the South of Market neighborhood, Supervisor Matt Dorsey said on social media. The San Francisco Fire Department said they were on the scene of a fire at the substation, which was reported at 2:14 p.m.

“We are still not clear when power will be restored to over 130,000 customers,” Lurie said on social media. “So what I am going to ask all of you to do is, if you do not need to go out tonight, stay home, be safe.”

Around 8 p.m., much of upper Market Street was still blacked out — and on one of the biggest shopping days of the year, which was a big concern for Dorsey, who represents the South of Market district.

“The Saturday before Christmas is historically one of the busiest shopping days of the year. We’ve got the Warriors game. We’ve got the ballet. We’ve got the symphony and everything going on. This is the worst time PG&E could have a problem,” Dorsey said.

San Francisco District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood said the city had been using all its resources to help PG&E restore power.

“This is unacceptable. I have never seen anything like this over the decade I have been here in San Francisco. There will have to be further investigation and questions that have to be answered about what went wrong,” Mahmood said.

PG&E is still investigating the cause of the fire. But PG&E Spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian said progress was being made, with thousands getting power back by just after 8:45 p.m.

“We have restored about approximately 88,500 of our customers. So, there is about 42,000 that remain impacted. So, about that’s about 70% of customers who have been restored,” Sarkissian said.

Dorsey said the same substation was responsible for a blackout on Dec. 21, 2003, affecting about 120,000 customers at the time.

There was rain forecast Saturday, but there was no indication if the weather played any role in the outage. More rain was forecast for Saturday evening and for the next six days. Wind gusts could reach up to 25 mph Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

LIVE: Track rain in San Francisco Bay Area with Live Doppler 7

Power outage affecting BART, Muni service

BART closed Civic Center station due to the PG&E power outage. Powell Street had also been closed but reopened in the early evening. BART green lines were running with limited service between Berryessa and Daly City and red line trains were suspended between Richmond and Millbrae. All BART services were up and running by 11 p.m. Saturday.

The SFMTA said Muni trains were not getting underground into Muni Metro or Central Subway. “Muni shuttle service is running between West Portal and Caltrain, and to consider the 8, 30, 45 for Central Subway. Avoid non-essential travel.” More Muni updates can be found here.

Traffic, business impacts

The outage caused gridlock in parts of downtown San Francisco with traffic lights out at major intersections. Traffic signals in the affected areas should be treated as four-way stop signs, the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management said.

It also forced the closure of some businesses, including the Walgreens on Market and Ninth Street.

Autonomous ridesharing service Waymo said on its app that service had been paused in the city.

The blackout also affected Internet service by some providers, including Monkey Brains.

RELATED: Videos show Waymo cars stuck at San Francisco intersections during massive power outage

Orpheum Theatre, Chase Center impacted

The outage interrupted Saturday’s matinee performance of Moulin Rouge at the Orpheum Theatre. The show was cancelled.

“And we saw about five minutes of it, and then the power went out. And we sat there for about half an hour, and it never came back on, and they said the show would be cancelled. So, we’re all sitting out here now, disappointed,” one attendee told ABC7.

ABC7 also confirmed there was a brief power outage at San Francisco’s Chase Center that lasted from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Bay City News contributed to this report

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December 19, 2025

The holidays are supposed to be busy in a good way — full calendars, full plates and full houses.

But every year, emergency rooms fill up too. Slips on icy steps. Kitchen cuts. Chest pain after one too many indulgent meals. But many of these visits are preventable with some caution and planning.

“During the holidays, we see a predictable increase in ER visits related to accidents, overexertion and stress,” says Steven Valassis, MD, an emergency medicine physician at Hartford HealthCare St. Vincent Medical Center. “A little awareness goes a long way in keeping people safe and out of the hospital.”

Here are 10 simple, realistic ways to protect your health and avoid the ER this holiday season.

1. Watch the weather and your footing

Snow, ice and wet leaves are a recipe for falls, especially on steps and driveways.

When the weather gets wintry, make sure you

• Wear shoes with good traction
• Clear walkways as soon as possible
• Take your time when walking outside
• If it’s icy, hold onto railings
• Avoid carrying heavy items that throw off your balance.

> Related: Urgent or Emergent? Everything You Need to Know

2. Slow down in the kitchen

Holiday cooking is often rushed and crowded. And that’s when accidents happen.

Keep knives sharp, use cutting boards and never leave cooking unattended. If you’re frying, baking or using open flames, stay nearby and alert.

“We see an increased in cuts and burns this time of year,” says Dr. Valassis. “Most happen when people are multitasking or distracted.”

3. Enjoy holiday food in moderation

Rich meals, heavy desserts and extra salt can take a toll — especially if you have heart disease, diabetes or digestive issues.

But you don’t have to skip your holiday favorites. Just pace yourself, eat smaller portions and listen to your body when it says it’s had enough.

Eating past the point of comfort is a common trigger for chest pain and serious stomach issues around the holidays.

> Related: The Holiday Food Advice You’ll Actually Want to Follow

4. Stay hydrated, even if you’re celebrating

Holiday schedules tend to throw routines out the window — including how much water you drink.

And to make matters worse, holiday staples like alcohol, caffeine and salty foods can quietly dehydrate you.

Make it a habit to drink water throughout the day, especially if you’re enjoying cocktails or traveling, to keep headaches, dizziness and kidney issues from hampering your fun.

5. Lift smart while you prep for the holidays

Between boxes of decorations and heavy gifts, the holiday season can take a toll on your back.

Twisting or rushing through heavy lifting quickly leads to muscle strains that can sideline you for weeks.

Bend at your knees, keep items close to your body and avoid twisting. If it feels too heavy, it is — don’t be afraid to ask for help.

6. Travel safely, no matter the distance

Whether it’s a long drive across the country or a quick trip across town, holiday roads come with extra risk.

“Car accidents are a major cause of holiday ER visits,” Dr. Valassis says. “Simple precautions save lives.”

Be sure to buckle up and avoid driving if you haven’t gotten enough sleep. Build extra time into travel plans so you don’t have to rush, and never drive after drinking. Taking these basic steps can significantly reduce your risk of injury — and help you avoid the ER while traveling this holiday season.

7. Don’t let stress become a factor

The holidays bring a lot of joy, but sometimes, they bring just as much stress.

“Stress can raise blood pressure, amplify heart conditions and weaken your immune system,” says Dr. Valassis.

Overcommitting to activities and falling behind on down time can quickly cause physical symptoms. Prioritize sleep, build in breaks and don’t be afraid to say no.

> Related: 6 Healthy Ways to Reduce Stress Around the Holidays

8. Look out for fire risks

Candles, tree lights and fireplaces might be cozy, but they come with a risk.

That’s why burns and smoke inhalation are so common this time of year. Luckily, they’re also preventable.

Keep candles away from flammable items, and never leave them unattended. Check cords for fraying, and unplug lights and heaters before bed or when leaving the house.

9. Be mindful of allergies

Homemade baked goods don’t always come with a label – and they seem to show up at every holiday gathering.

“Allergic reactions can escalate quickly,” says Dr. Valassis. “It’s important to catch them early.”

If you have food allergies and sensitivities, don’t be afraid to ask questions before you dig in. And if you’re prone to seasonal allergies, keep medications on hand.

> Related: Which Allergy Medicine Is Right for Me?

10. Listen to your body

It might sound simple, but trusting your instincts is key.

If something feels off — chest pain, trouble breathing, severe pain or sudden weakness — don’t brush it off.

“The goal isn’t to avoid care when you need it,” Dr. Valassis says. “It’s to avoid preventable emergencies so you can enjoy the holidays safely.”

The holidays don’t have to come with an ER visit

With a little planning and some extra awareness, you can protect your health, avoid the ER, and keep the focus where it belongs – spending time with the people you love.

“A few thoughtful choices can make a big difference in helping you avoid the ER,” Dr. Valassis says.