Dangerous Weather Wreaks Havoc
The recent bout of heavy rain in the Bay Area has left a trail of disruption, with a landslide shutting down Highway 9 in Santa Clara County and a fatal accident occurring in Marin County. The region's first responders are on high alert as more rain is forecasted to hit the area.
In Novato, firefighters were called to the scene of a harrowing accident where a man had driven off a slippery Highway 101 North, causing his car to wrap around a traffic light on the frontage road. Despite the efforts of paramedics, the driver tragically did not survive. The California Highway Patrol emphasized that speed and wet road conditions were contributing factors, urging all drivers to exercise caution.
The inclement weather has also raised concerns about possible flooding in low-lying areas, particularly in Santa Rosa, where firefighters are on standby. The saturated soil and strong winds accompanying the rain increase the risk of trees falling, potentially leading to power outages.
One such incident was reported in Aptos, where a large tree blocked a roadway. Multiple power outages occurred throughout the Bay Area, keeping PG&E crews busy. To prepare for further rainfall, several cities, including San Francisco and Oakland, are offering free sandbags to residents.
Authorities advise residents to be proactive and obtain sandbags in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling in the event of flooding. The California Highway Patrol recommends that, if possible, people should stay home during heavy rain. If travel is necessary, drivers should take precautions, including reducing speed and checking tire conditions before hitting the road.
Additionally, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains experienced delays due to the rainy weather, further underscoring the challenges faced by the Bay Area in coping with these adverse conditions.
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