UPDATE: A massive power outage has plunged nearly a third of San Francisco into darkness, stranding autonomous Waymo vehicles and disrupting daily life for over 130,000 customers. The blackout began at approximately 9:40 a.m. on December 21, 2025, and has created chaos across multiple neighborhoods.
Traffic signals have gone dark across the city, leaving Waymo’s driverless cars stalled at major intersections. By 8 p.m., Waymo announced the suspension of its ride-hailing service, citing safety concerns. “We have temporarily suspended our ride-hailing services given the broad power outage in San Francisco,” said Waymo spokesperson Suzanne Philion. “We are focused on keeping our riders safe and ensuring emergency personnel have the clear access they need to do their work.”
Videos captured by pedestrians show Waymo vehicles blocking roads, with hazard lights flashing as they remain immobilized without functioning traffic signals. The outage particularly affected neighborhoods including the Richmond and Sunset districts, Haight Ashbury, Hayes Valley, and parts of Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. Areas downtown and South of Market are also experiencing power loss.
According to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the issue originated from a substation located at 8th Street and Mission Streets. Mayor Daniel Lurie took to Instagram to inform residents that PG&E crews are currently assessing the damage. He cautioned that power restoration might extend “into the early morning hours,” leaving many residents in uncertain conditions.
The incident highlights significant vulnerabilities in autonomous vehicle technology, which depends heavily on operating infrastructure. As the city grapples with the blackout, officials have not yet provided a timeline for when power will be restored to affected neighborhoods.
In the meantime, residents are left to navigate the unexpected challenges posed by the outage. As Waymo vehicles remain stalled, the city’s emergency services are also impacted, prompting further concerns about public safety during this extended blackout.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing situation unfolds. Share your experiences and thoughts on social media as San Francisco works to restore power and resolve the ongoing disruption.