Drivers faced a wet, windy and dangerous drive Thursday as widespread rain and strong winds are forecast for most of the Bay Area.
Winds gusted up to 50 mph early Thursday morning in the North Bay mountains. Meteorologists said that Thursday evening could also bring thunderstorms and hail.
Jesus Valasquez was involved in a car accident in Marin County near the Waldo Tunnel, when the California Highway Patrol said he was driving too fast in the rain. His Honda spun out of control and he hit the hillside. He was shaken up but not seriously injured.
"I just remember hitting the wall," he said. Usually, he has his 9-month-old in the car. He felt fortunate his daughter stayed at home.
One of the most serious traffic issues occurred in the North Bay. A tree fell, blocking the passage along state Route 116 in Sonoma County’s Guerneville. The tree also fell into a utility pole, knocking out power for more than 1,600 customers at one point. Authorities also reported Panoramic Highway in the Stinson Beach area of Marin County was closed because of a fallen tree.
Heavier showers are forecast for Thursday afternoon and this evening, although the showers will be scattered, forecaster Steve Anderson said.
The rain that fell Wednesday night and Thursday morning was about what was expected. San Francisco reported a quarter-inch of rain, while Oakland reported .23 inches, Anderson said. San Jose saw .10 inches, while Concord received .27 inches and Santa Rosa reported .78 inches, according to the weather service. A gauge on Mt. Tamalpais collected 2.86 inches.
Waves of 20 to 30 feet were forecast for some areas such as Mavericks, a popular surfing location near Half Moon Bay. At Ocean Beach, waves could reach 15 feet. The surf conditions could be deadly for anyone except professional surfers.
Rain coming down pretty hard in #Marin. Drivers warned of flooding on 101 NB at Lucky Dr. Be safe out there! pic.twitter.com/ZDT95wSevZ
— Stephanie Chuang (@StephChuang) December 10, 2015Bay Bridge metering lights ON at 5:29a. Toll plaza fills in but wet roadways are another reason to slow your drive. #Traction (5:35a)
— Mike Inouye (@MikeyNoWay) December 10, 2015As forecast, #BayAreaRain totals climbing slowly. @MikeyNoWay on @nbcbayarea has impact on your commute. pic.twitter.com/PSLsWDY8ZX
— NBC Bay Area Weather (@NBCBayWeather) December 10, 2015#BayAreaRain means wet reporters & a slick commute. @BobNBC @StephChuang Turn on @nbcbayarea pic.twitter.com/ASMkdnFsLt
— NBC Bay Area Weather (@NBCBayWeather) December 10, 2015Beachgoers were advised to keep their distance from the water.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
