URGENT UPDATE: Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing vehicles are currently immobilized at intersections across San Francisco due to a massive power outage affecting over 130,000 homes and businesses. As of Saturday afternoon, videos flooded social media showing driverless cars halted at traffic signals, unable to navigate the darkened streets.
The outage began shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday and has caused severe gridlock in downtown San Francisco, with traffic lights out at major intersections. In response, Waymo paused its services and alerted users via its app, but it remains unclear when operations will resume.
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management has advised drivers to treat non-functioning traffic signals in the affected areas as four-way stop signs. This guidance is crucial as the outage continues to cause confusion and congestion on the roads.
PG&E has confirmed that a fire at a substation located at 8th and Mission streets is to blame for the blackout. The utility company reported extensive damage from the incident, complicating restoration efforts. As of Sunday morning, power has been restored to the majority of those affected, but approximately 21,000 customers remain without electricity.
“Repairing the damage will be complex and requires a focus on safety,” PG&E stated, emphasizing the scale of the work involved. The utility has mobilized additional engineers and electricians to expedite restoration.
As the situation develops, residents and visitors in San Francisco are urged to stay informed and exercise caution while navigating the affected areas. No injuries have been reported thus far, but the investigation into the cause of the fire and its subsequent impact on the power grid is ongoing.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of urban infrastructure and the challenges faced by autonomous vehicle technology in emergency scenarios. The community is feeling the impact of this outage, with many relying on public services and power for daily activities.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and be sure to share this urgent news with others in the area to ensure everyone is aware of the ongoing situation.
