BREAKING: A massive power outage in San Francisco has left numerous Waymo driverless vehicles stranded at traffic intersections, causing significant disruptions. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the autonomous cars immobilized and confused as traffic signals failed.
The outage, which struck shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, initially impacted 130,000 homes and businesses across the city. As of Sunday morning, 21,000 customers remain without power, according to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
In response to the crisis, Waymo announced via its app that it has paused all services. There is currently no estimated timeline for when operations will resume, leaving many riders in a state of uncertainty.
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management has urged drivers to treat non-functioning traffic signals as four-way stop signs to mitigate gridlock in the downtown area. The outage has reportedly added to severe traffic congestion, particularly at major intersections.
The cause of the power outage has been linked to a fire at a PG&E substation located at 8th and Mission streets. PG&E stated, “The damage from the fire in our substation was significant and extensive, and the repairs and safe restoration will be complex.”
As repair efforts continue, PG&E is mobilizing additional engineers and electricians to expedite the restoration process. “This is a very complex work plan and will require the highest amount of safety focus to ensure safe work actions,” said a PG&E spokesperson. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the outage.
At its peak, the outage affected roughly one-third of PG&E’s customers in the city, highlighting the scale of the disruption. Residents and businesses are anxiously awaiting updates on power restoration, with many taking to social media to share their experiences.
As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for further updates on power restoration and Waymo services.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this evolving story.