Generator warning issued across California as temperatures plunge

The National Weather Service warned millions in Central California about the dangers of improper generator and indoor fuel use as a cold snap pushed temperatures near or below freezing. Cold-weather advisories were in effect and were scheduled to expire Friday morning.

A generator-related safety warning accompanied extreme cold alerts for millions of people across Central California as temperatures fell below seasonal averages. The National Weather Service issued extreme cold warnings and cold weather advisories covering areas including Santa Rosa, San Jose and Sonoma. Some locations were forecast to drop into the upper 20s, a level that is uncommon for parts of the region. Public sources noted that improper indoor use of generators or grills can cause carbon monoxide buildup and serious health effects. Key details: - The National Weather Service issued extreme cold warnings and cold weather advisories affecting millions across Central California, with the most severe conditions expected early Friday morning. - Officials and public-health sources cautioned that using generators or grills indoors can produce carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can lead to serious illness or death, according to the Mayo Clinic. - Most cold-weather alerts were set to expire by 9 a.m. PST on Friday, with forecasts indicating temperatures would begin to recover by Saturday and the Climate Prediction Center projecting above-average temperatures over the next 6 to 10 days. Summary: The advisories underscored risks for people spending extended time outdoors and for those in areas that rarely see subfreezing temperatures. Alerts were scheduled to end by Friday morning, and forecasts show a shift toward near- or above-average temperatures later in the week.