San Francisco

More Rain, Thunder, Lightning Headed for Bay Area

Thunderstorms were expected to sweep through Northern California late Tuesday and Early Wednesday, a day after rain, thunder and lightning delayed dozens of flights and stalled the start of a Giants-Dodgers game, forecasters said.

The combination of heat, humidity and a low-pressure system is the cause of the rare weather event expected to hit the Bay Area for a second straight day, according to NBC Bay Area Chief Meteorologist Jeff Ranieri.

Ranieri said he expects to see a few thunderstorms near the South Bay from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. Whatever develops, he added, will be fickle on where it moves, and it doesn't look as strong as Monday night's storms.

Tuesday's storms were expected to reach the Central Coast first and then head north, National Weather Service meteorologist Scott Rowe said.

The second wave of weather follows thousands of lightning strikes that hit Monday evening, sparking fires and leading San Francisco International Airport officials to divert flights to nearby cities.

Lightning ignited at least four wildfires in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Most blazes were quickly contained, but crews were still fighting at least one in a wooded area near the town of Woodside in San Mateo County.

Scattered showers and lightning stalled the start of the Giants game at San Francisco's AT&T Park for nearly three hours Monday night.

When the game finally started at 11 p.m., more rain and lightning arrived, sending fans and players scurrying for cover, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The game ended around 2 a.m. with the Giants winning 8-6.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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