San Francisco Drenched: Intense Rain Floods Roads and Homes
San Francisco woke up to a day filled with torrential downpours and chaos as an intense rain band barreled through the city and much of the Bay Area on Friday. Flood waters were not just a nuisance; they caused serious traffic headaches and left many local residents scrambling to cope with the weather’s fury!
Heavy Rain Sets In
The most intense rains began early in the afternoon, with a staggering 1.93 inches of rain recorded downtown by shortly before 4 p.m. And the downpour wasn’t done yet! An additional inch or two was still in store as the cold front gradually moved out of the area after 7 p.m.
Drivers found themselves in dire straits, particularly on major thoroughfares like I-280 in the Daly City area, where a foot of water was reported, leading to major traffic delays. On US-101, two northbound lanes were also blocked by flooding, according to the California Highway Patrol. Streets across the city and surrounding areas became instant rivers, turning ordinary travel into an obstacle course!
Residents Dealing with Flooding
For residents like Liz and John Warner, homeowners in Glen Park for a decade, the rainfall was unprecedented. John shared, “This is by far the most we’ve seen come down this hill like this,” as they dealt with water pooling in their garage. They weren’t alone in this predicament; all around the city, neighbors reported similar scenes of water lapping at their doorsteps.
Even public services struggled with the deluge. Workers were visible at various locations, trying to assist where water seemed determined to take over. One truck, armed with a large suction hose, arrived at the intersection of Divisadero Street—fighting back against the relentless tide that had flooded the area multiple times in just a few hours!
Facing the Elements
As the rain continued to pour, some residents faced even tougher challenges. Abel Perez, a 26-year-old unhoused individual, was left trying to stay warm and dry under a large tent. “I’m freezing, and I have nothing to wear. Everything is soaked!” he exclaimed, as he danced between the downpours. Though Abel has been offered shelter, he chose to remain outside due to strict regulations regarding personal belongings.
Another individual, Ramon Castillo, echoed similar sentiments, expressing his worries, “I know I’m going to have to move in a bit.” Like many others experienced on rain-soaked streets, these individuals shared a common reality of struggling to find warmth and security amid relentless rains.
Warnings and Cancellations
The weather service wasn’t holding back on warnings either. Flash flood advisories were issued for several parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, with specific areas in peril from flooding. Warnings were especially stern regarding whether people should attempt to drive on flooded roadways. Safety first!
Airport woes were aplenty, too; as of 4:30 p.m. on Friday, San Francisco International Airport reported a staggering 61 flight cancellations and 491 delays. “Allow extra time en route,” airport officials urged travelers as the storm impacted not just air travel, but ferry services faced cancellations as well.
What’s Next?
As the day wore on, conditions didn’t look overly bright. Even as Friday was anticipated to be the most intense of the current atmospheric river event, it is vital to note that rain was expected to continue through Tuesday. While some locals found humor despite the gloomy outlook, the reality was that there was much to contend with in the days to come.
Stay safe, San Francisco! Let’s hope for some sunshine on the horizon!
