Live weather updates: Downed trees and power outages across Bay Area, more rain on the way
Storm downs trees in San Francisco
Trees toppled in San Francisco during Wednesdays atmospheric river that produced severe weather in the afternoon.
OAKLAND, Calif. - Rain has returned to the Bay Area with the most intense portion of the storm happening on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The series of rainstorms began Wednesday and will continue on and off through the weekend.
Heavy rain had begun by Wednesday afternoon in the Bay Area, and is expected to worsen through the afternoon and evening commute.
As the cold air moves in, thunderstorm potential will increase, and could potentially bring small hail to the Bay Area.
Follow along here for the latest updates on storm conditions in the Bay Area.
Strong winds shake homes in San Francisco
Powerful winds swept through San Francisco’s, causing power outages and shaking homes.
10 p.m.
California Highway Patrol was out in full force throughout the day in the North Bay to advise motorists of unnecessary travel.
"What we're seeing so far is people driving too fast, they're following too close, we're seeing some crashes out there, we're also seeing some roadway obstructions with some flooding, and a lot of debris in the roadway," said Alex Ochoa, a CHP officer in Marin.
Wind and rains combined remain a concern for Pacific Gas and Electric.
The utility company warned that storm-related impacts to vegetation could cause trees or branches to fall and damage power lines.
"Really primarily wind and the rain are primarily the risks to our system based on impacts to vegetation. So, when we see a storm like this, oftentimes trees or branches can contact our electric distribution system," said Dave Canny, PG&E’s North Coast Region Vice President.
In Mill Valley, businesses like Bungalow 44 are feeling the effects of the weather. The restaurant’s outdoor patio, which is typically filled with diners during milder weather, was covered with tarps to protect the furniture.
"It'll definitely have a hit on the business. We seat the outside every night, so it's probably over the course of this 5, 6-day storm, you're talking about 600 people, which can affect business for sure," said General Manager Andres Botas.
The rain, however, is a boost for Northern California’s reservoirs, which are currently at 81% of their total capacity and 115% of their historical average.
8:30 p.m.
Video shows snow on Mount Hamilton and California Highway Patrol shared video of snowy conditions on I-80 near the Nevada state line. They said trucks are at maximum restrictions.
8:15 p.m.
The National Weather Service Bay Area says the radar remains active with widespread rain over the Central Coast and lingering showers elsewhere.
"Some of the smaller showers are packing a punch, with heavy rain, small hail and gusty winds," the NWS post on social media read.
5:15 p.m.
Powerful winds swept through San Francisco’s Ingleside neighborhood, causing power outages and shaking homes.
Barbers at Nate’s Barbershop said the power went out while they were cutting hair and remained off for about an hour.
Even before the rain arrived, strong winds howled through the city. One resident said the gusts were so intense in the morning that her house was shaking.
"I thought it was an earthquake because it was so shaky," said Anastasia Prosina.
The San Francisco Public Works Department increased staffing to monitor downed trees and branches during the high winds.
"Right now, with this wind, we’re looking at up to 55 mph. That’s high winds in San Francisco," department spokesperson Rachel Gordon said. "Our street trees are going to be closely watched right now. That’s our big concern."
Crews worked Wednesday to mitigate any storm hazards by trimming trees that posed a risk. The city also shut down Stern Grove and Pine Lake Park as a precaution.
North Bay bears brunt of storm
The North Bay saw heavy rain and strong winds on Wednesday as a multi-day storm system moved into the Bay Area. Tom Vacar reports.
4:16 p.m.
Santa Rosa was pounded by rain Wednesday afternoon with the threat of lightning being powered by thunderstorms. A fire marshal with the Santa Rosa Fire Department said first responders were prepared for wind gusts of upwards of 50 mph.
"It could lead to a lot of downed trees, potential for power outages and debris on roadways," said Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal.
PG&E is handling power outages in the North Bay, and across the wider Bay Area.
"When those trees fall near our electric lines that, in turn, can damage our infrastructure and cause an outage," said PG&E's North Coast Vice President Dave Canny.
Rain kept car washes closed in Santa Rosa and North Bay nurseries busy weathering the storm.
Family-owned Santa Rosa's King's Nursery was founded in 1896.
"Protecting the flowers we have currently is kind of a big thing, but, yeah, come spring, it's always nice to have had that wet winter; make sure things aren't drying out," said King's Nursery Manager Ronald Magill.
North Bay bears brunt of storm
The North Bay saw heavy rain and strong winds on Wednesday as a multi-day storm system moved into the Bay Area. Tom Vacar reports.
3:05 p.m.
PG&E shared updated information just after 3 p.m. on how many customers are affected by power outages.
North Bay: 3,339
San Francisco: 68
Peninsula: 3,385
East Bay: 4,906
South Bay: 37,577
Bay Area total: 49,275
2:59 p.m.
Thousands of PG&E customers are without power in San Francisco and Walnut Creek amid the storm conditions.
More than 2,000 households are affected in Walnut Creek. In San Francisco, more than 8,000 PG&E customers are affected.
2:50 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for several cities in Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties by the National Weather Service on Wednesday.
The warning is in effect until 3 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm was seen a few miles southwest of Ben Lomond moving northeast at 50 mph. Wind gusts can reach as high as 60 mph and small hail is not ruled out, the NWS said.
Hail can damage roofs, siding, and trees, officials said.
Weather officials also said tornadoes can develop from severe thunderstorms.
"Seek shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built structure," the NWS said.
2:22 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for San Francisco, Daly City, and South San Francisco until 2:45 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
Heavy rain and strong winds have arrived in the Bay Area. KTVU's weather radar is tracking live storm conditions.
Drivers can expect a challenging afternoon and evening commute on Wednesday.
Moderate to heavy rain will continue through the day with increasing potential for thunderstorms and hail.
We'll continue to see scattered showers tonight and through Thursday.
Severe thunderstorm warning for some parts of Bay Area
Several part of the Bay Area were under a severe thunderstorm warning on Wednesday afternoon.
Later This Week
By Thursday morning, the Bay Area will see a slight break with just scattered showers.
The next round of storms will move into the Bay Area on Friday. Expect a difficult Friday morning commute.
We'll see another brief break from the rain from Friday night into Saturday.
By Sunday, another round of rain is expected in the Bay Area.
Winter Storm Warning near Lake Tahoe
Dig deeper:
The greater Tahoe area could see upwards of 5 feet of snow between Tuesday and Thursday.
The winter storm warning will be in effect between 11 p.m. Tuesday and 11 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service said.
Around Lake Tahoe, travelers may see wind gusts of up to 45 mph and waves up to 2 to 4 feet.
The cities under the winter storm warning include: Stateline, South Lake Tahoe, Markleeville, Glenbrook, Truckee, Tahoe City, and Incline Village.
The Source: National Weather Service, KTVU meteorologists