BREAKING: A massive power outage has plunged nearly a third of San Francisco into darkness this morning, stranding approximately 130,000 customers without electricity. The outage, which began around 9:40 a.m., has disrupted traffic signals and left autonomous Waymo vehicles stalled at intersections across the city.
By 8 p.m., Waymo announced the suspension of its ride-hailing services due to the chaos created by its driverless cars stuck in traffic jams where signals had failed. “We have temporarily suspended our ride-hailing services given the broad power outage in San Francisco,” stated 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 multiple Waymo vehicles flashing their hazard lights, unable to navigate without functioning traffic signals. The blackout has significantly affected various neighborhoods including the Richmond and Sunset Districts, Haight Ashbury, Hayes Valley, and parts of Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. Downtown and areas South of Market also experienced outages.
Authorities from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) traced the issue to a substation located at 8th Street and Mission Streets. In an Instagram update, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie informed residents that crews were actively assessing damage. He cautioned that power issues could persist “into the early morning hours,” leaving many in the dark with no clear timeline for restoration.
The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerabilities of autonomous vehicle technology, which relies heavily on a functional infrastructure for safe operation. With major intersections compromised, the situation highlights the critical need for reliable power systems to support emerging technologies.
As the city grapples with this unexpected blackout, residents are urged to remain patient and keep clear of affected areas to allow emergency responders to operate efficiently. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
