Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for San Francisco Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — A severe thunderstorm alert has been issued for the San Francisco Bay Area, including the San Francisco Peninsula Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains, effective from 2:24 p.m. Wednesday until 3 p.m., according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS reported that Doppler radar detected a line of strong thunderstorms moving northeast at 45 mph, with locations impacted including San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, and others. The storms may produce pea-sized hail measuring 0.25 inches.

At the time of the alert, NWS stated, “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects, leading to minor damage.”

Residents are urged to monitor weather situations closely, as torrential rainfall could lead to flash flooding. “Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways,” the NWS warned.

Lightning strikes the U.S. approximately 25 million times each year, with around 20 fatalities reported annually, emphasizing the danger posed during thunderstorms.

To stay safe during thunderstorms, the NWS encourages the public to prepare a lightning safety plan. Indoors, individuals should wait for an all-clear signal. For those caught outdoors with no shelter, the NWS provides guidelines to follow for safety.

Safety during heavy rainfall is paramount, particularly regarding road conditions. Individuals are advised to avoid parking or walking near culverts and drainage ditches where rapid water flow can pose risks; maintain a following distance of at least four seconds; and reduce speed to prevent skidding.

NWS advises drivers to choose lanes wisely, stay in the middle lanes where water accumulates less, and prioritize visibility by using headlights. The initial half-hour of rain is particularly hazardous due to slick roads resulting from oil and grime mixing with precipitation.

Additionally, maintaining a safe distance from large vehicles and swiftly passing them can enhance visibility and safety. If visibility becomes severely impaired, pulling over safely and waiting for conditions to improve is recommended.

For ongoing updates regarding the weather, individuals are encouraged to stay informed through local authorities.