SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The massive power outage that could affect millions of people across Northern California for days on end is no laughing matter.
But, when faced with the adversity that comes with a days-long power outage, the internet did what it does best: Make memes.
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, a meme is defined by Merriam-Webster as "an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture." It's essentially photos, moving photos called GIFS and videos used to convey a shared experience.
When Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced it would shut off power to about two million people for days in an effort to prevent its equipment from starting wildfires during windy weather, people understandably had a lot of questions.
Some people were confused when their power didn't immediately go out at midnight on Wednesday.
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Others instantly regretted asking for more "dark modes."
Even a local police department got involved.
While some people in parts of northern California were already mourning their losses.
Others were looking for a shining beacon of hope in the darkness.
But everyone was just learning how to adjust to a new -- if temporary -- way of living.
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With Phase Two of the PG&E power shutoff plan in effect, even more customers are in the dark. Here's where the blackouts are hitting hardest.
