LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Whipping winds and steady rain caused power lines to fail Sunday across the Southland, leaving thousands of residents sitting in the dark at nightfall.

Traffic lights were dark throughout Culver City, and a multiplex movie theater in Sherman Oaks had to hand out rain checks when the power failed at about 2:45 p.m.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power reports that approximately 10,000 customers are affected by power outages.

Southern California Edison had 11,238 customers without power as of 3 p.m., but that number was brought down to 6,612 by 6:30 p.m., Mashi Nyssen of SCE said.

“There is a lot of wind and rain,” Nyssen said. “The cities most affected are Carson, Commerce, Compton, Culver City and Redondo Beach.”

Nyssen warned residents who may see downed power lines to call 9-1-1 and reminded the public to never touch or come near downed lines.

SCE suggests using flashlights rather than candles if the power goes out at home.

“We just want customers to be safe and careful,” Nyssen said.

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