CNN is reporting that an area spanning from the middle of downtown LA down to the San Fernando Valley are currently without power.
Update [2005-9-12 16:44:57 by RenaRF]: Thanks to humphrey for posting a streaming video link in the comments for those who don't have access to the television.
Update [2005-9-12 17:17:8 by RenaRF]: Ok. Well, I never thought this would make the recommended list and I have been actively directing folks to thereisnospoon's diary. But this DID make the recommended list so I RECOMMEND you all run over and look at thereisnospoon's diary because thereisnospoon is in Los Angeles. :-)
From
CNN.com:
Traffic lights throughout downtown and the San Fernando Valley were not working, causing major traffic problems, according to video from helicopter news crews.
Downtown highrises also were darkened.
The city's department of water and power said it was investigating the cause and extent of the outage.
.
Wolf Blitzer reported additionally that one or two power surges were reported, but these claims are unverified.
CNN's Los Angeles correspondent, who still has power at the studio, says that it is not uncommon for "brownouts" to plague Los Angeles on very hot days. However, today is not exceptionally hot and the outages are much more expansive than what they have experienced in the past.
Massive traffic tieups are being reported. I'll post more when/if additional information becomes available.