BREAKING: A massive power outage has plunged nearly a third of San Francisco into darkness as of 9:40 a.m. today, stranding autonomous Waymo vehicles and disrupting traffic across the city. Approximately 130,000 customers are currently without electricity as the blackout affects major neighborhoods including the Richmond and Sunset districts, as well as Haight Ashbury and parts of downtown.
Waymo has announced a temporary suspension of its ride-hailing services, halting operations by 8 p.m. after its driverless cars became stuck at intersections where traffic signals were non-functional. “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 shared by pedestrians show Waymo vehicles idling with their hazard lights flashing, unable to navigate without operational traffic signals. The incident has raised significant concerns about the vulnerabilities of autonomous vehicle technology, which heavily relies on functioning infrastructure for safe operation.
The electrical failure has been traced by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to a substation located at 8th Street and Mission Streets. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie took to Instagram to inform residents that PG&E crews are currently assessing the situation. He cautioned that power issues could persist “into the early morning hours,” leaving many residents anxious about when electricity will be restored.
City officials have not provided a definitive timeline for power restoration, leaving businesses and residents in the affected areas facing uncertainty. As the situation develops, the impact on daily life and safety continues to grow.
This blackout not only disrupts daily activities but also poses challenges for emergency services, which rely on functioning traffic systems to operate efficiently. The situation remains fluid, with authorities working diligently to address the outage and restore power to the impacted neighborhoods.
As this urgent situation unfolds, residents are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize safety. The implications for both the city’s infrastructure and the future of autonomous vehicle technology are significant, prompting discussions about the resilience of smart city systems in the face of such failures.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on the power outage and its effects on San Francisco.
