The question was posited, why can't the power in the area be shut down. . Interesting point. More likely, out the lines underground.
To be effective, you would need shut down the grid every time high winds are predicted, and keep it shut down till the winds subside. But in effect, that would mean shutting down much of daily life for a huge area and population. The electric grid powers hospitals, traffic signals, home medical equipment, cash machines, refrigeration and freezers at your local supermarket, gas pumps at your local service station.......the list goes on and on.