power grid question in hurricane area

[Doughbroz]

I have always wondered why the power to large areas can't be shut off as the wind approaches the velocity at which experience tells us it is going to cause widespread power outages. Every storm like this is rife with images of transformers blowing and downed lines setting fires. Since the power is going out anyway, and critical operation locations have generators,what is gained by leaving it on for another hour or two? At the least, it would appear that shutting down large areas beforehand would save a ton of work replacing transformers, while reducing the fire and electrocution danger. What am I missing here?

 

[apd183]

I concur. This would hopefully have the added side effect of making people get out of mandatory evacuation areas.

 

[jimmyjazz]

The physical damage to electrical components (for the most part) happens whether they're energized or not.

 

[Michael Knight]

Ever hear of powerlines?