With high winds and dry air increasing the risk of power-line-sparked wildfires throughout New Mexico, the state’s largest electric company, the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), is following California’s lead and preparing for possible power shutoffs as winds pick up on Thursday.

PNM has called off a power shutoff planned for Thursday afternoon in the East Mountains to mitigate wildfire risk in the area.

Residents in the East Mountains should prepare to lose power temporarily around noon Thursday due to high winds in the area.

Due to the extreme weather conditions and increased wildfire risk, PNM is considering a public safety shutoff in areas in New Mexico on Thursday. The areas will include the East Mountains, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas. Bernalillo County is also on standby.

The state’s largest electric utility is bracing for the winds from an upcoming storm on Thursday. PNM said power outages are possible Thursday with gusts expected to reach up to 70 miles an hour in some areas.