Forecasters say the third windstorm of January will focus much of its energy on the region during one of the driest periods on record.

Santa Ana winds increased Monday morning, prompting Gas & Electric to began a new set of Public Safety Power Shutoffs across the county, affecting just under 1,000 customers with the potential to reach over 80,

San Diego Gas & Electric more than doubled the number of customers whose power has been shut off Tuesday as Santa Ana winds began booming inland and spreading to coastal area. Through 1:45 p.m., 5,620 customers had lost power,

Parts of San Diego County will be dealing with more Santa Ana winds starting Monday afternoon, and the fire weather conditions could mean potential San Diego Gas & Electric power shutoffs for many communities.

NBC 7's Greg Bledsoe was forecasting that the winds would pick up Monday evening, then peak overnight into Tuesday morning, with isolated gusts possibly reaching 80 mph

A red flag fire weather warning will be in effect from 8 a.m. Monday to 10 p.m. Tuesday for areas generally east of Interstate 15

With the Santa Ana winds blowing across San Diego, for many residents in the East County that means power shutoffs. Thousands of San Diego Gas and Electric customers were without power Friday and even earlier in the week. While it's an inconvenience, it's an adjustment many of them have had to make.

With Santa Ana winds again in the forecast, San Diego Gas & Electric on Sunday warned nearly 84,000 rural customers to be ready for power to be turned off.