Sonoma County PG&E workers head to Florida as Hurricane Matthew approaches

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is sending about 100 electrical workers, including eight from Sonoma County, to Florida to help restore electricity for an estimated 2.5 million people expected to lose power when Hurricane Matthew hits the state later Thursday.

The category 4 hurricane, which has already killed more than 100 people in the Caribbean, is expected to cause widespread damage, particularly along the south Atlantic coast.

PG&E crews will help repair downed electrical wires and damaged poles, said PG&E spokeswoman Deanna Contreras. The crew members, which include four linemen, two truck drivers and two foremen from Sonoma County, will travel to Sacramento before flying out to Florida.

Restoration efforts are expected to take more than a week, Contreras said.

The aid comes two years after PG&E and Florida Power and Light signed a cross-continental mutual aid agreement that pledged assistance in case of a catastrophic event such an earthquake or hurricane. It is the first time the agreement is being activated, Contreras said.

In 2012, PG&E sent 250 crew members to help restore power in New York after Hurricane Sandy.

You can reach Staff Writer Martin Espinoza at (707) 521-5213 or martin.espinoza@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @renofish.