A large, unplanned power outage has hit the Nob Hill neighborhood, cutting electricity to homes and businesses and knocking out internet and local services. Neighbors have reported lights flickering, buildings going dark, and emergency generators kicking on as crews work to track down and fix the problem.
According to a post from the SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA, the outage is affecting Nob Hill, and residents who lose power are being urged to "keep refrigerator doors closed." The department said crews were responding to the incident while city agencies continued to monitor conditions.
A large, unplanned power outage is impacting the Nob Hill neighborhood. If you lose power, keep refrigerator doors closed. Food can stay safe for 4 hours in a refrigerator, 24 hours in a half-full freezer, and 48 hours in a full freezer. https://t.co/ymNfLpboNz pic.twitter.com/pQ7jCX8Kmv
— San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (@SF_emergency) April 20, 2026
Food safety and refrigeration
Guidance from FoodSafety.gov notes that a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours as long as the door stays closed. A full freezer can keep food safe for up to 48 hours, or about 24 hours if it is only half full. If the outage appears to be dragging on, residents should plan to move perishables into coolers with ice.
Where to check for updates
PG&E provides restoration estimates and an interactive outage map where customers can report outages and check real-time status. Visit the PG&E Outage Center for updates and contact information.
Neighborhood message boards and social threads quickly lit up with outage reports, and some residents said they received PG&E texts with estimated restoration windows. For firsthand accounts from people in the area, see the local thread on Reddit.
Residents who rely on electrically powered medical equipment should follow their provider's backup plan or seek alternate power. If you encounter downed wires or smell gas, call 911 immediately. This post will be updated as PG&E and city officials release restoration timelines.
