We’re hearing it’s a lousy commute out there as the Bay Area grapples with heavy winds. Here’s a report from CBS SF Bay Area on where the strongest winds will hit and when.
Check out the SFMTA, BART and the latest updates from 511.org before heading out tonight.
The latest from BART, as of 4:35 p.m.:
BART service has stopped between Coliseum and Oakland Airport. Due to a PG&E electrical problem.
BART service has stopped between 24th St. Mission and Daly City in all directions due to debris in the trackway from the high winds.
Service has stopped between Pleasant Hill and Concord on the Pittsburg/Bay Point Line due to an obstruction on the track.
BART service has stopped between Hayward and South Hayward on the Fremont Line in the Fremont, Richmond and Daly City directions due to an obstruction on the track.
Plus some other wind-related disruptions:
ATTN: reports of tree down on 24th btwn Harrison and Folsom. Possible 48-Quintara re-route.
— SFMTA (@sfmta_muni) December 31, 2014
UPDATE: All WB lanes of I-80 in Vallejo reopen after winds topple tree, bring down power lines http://t.co/0gznhlHSa6 pic.twitter.com/MkE1VlO0Ju
— LiveDoppler7HD (@LiveDoppler7HD) December 31, 2014
Update: Right Lanes Remain Closed on Eastbound I-80 near Tennessee St in Vallejo Due to Downed Power Lines. http://t.co/RjrcRgLR6q
— 511 Bay Area (@511SFBay) December 31, 2014
RIGHT NOW: Winds have knocked down a power line near Valley Fair Mall in the South Bay. Big portion of mall w/out power.
— Janelle Wang (@janellewang) December 31, 2014
Original post
The heavy winds that the Bay Area is experiencing are affecting BART operations. An advisory from the transit agency:
BART service has stopped between 24th St. Mission and Daly City in all directions due to debris in the trackway from the high winds.
There is a major delay system wide in all directions due to several areas with debris in the trackway from the current high winds.
Reports say the debris is actually two trees.
The Bay Area News Group is reporting that trains were halted today in Oakland after power lines fell on Union Pacific’s tracks. The trains are now moving, but traffic has been clogged “in several areas, including Jack London Square.”
Update 2:40 p.m.:
BART no service between Concord and Pleasant Hill because of trees on the track.
— KCBS Traffic (@kcbstraffic) December 30, 2014
Air travel, too, has been affected:
#SFO reporting 1 1/2 hr. arrival delays due to wind if you're expecting someone. #whereyoulive pic.twitter.com/9GIQLCGRFK
— Sandhya Patel (@SandhyaABC7) December 30, 2014
The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories across the Bay Area lasting until noon tomorrow. Winds were predicted to gust up to 55 mph, with the most blustery conditions occurring this afternoon and tonight. The downing of trees and power lines is a real possibility.
PG&E has this to say:
#WindStorm: Stronger gusts expected – secure patio furniture. Be safe & stay alert to downed power lines. Read more: http://t.co/8WfUrQ9vS8
— PG&E (@PGE4Me) December 30, 2014
More advice from PG&E to make it through this windy period:
- Always treat low hanging and downed power lines as if they are energized and extremely dangerous. Keep yourself and others away from them. Be aware that trees, pools of water and other objects may be energized and dangerous if they make contact with power lines. If you see damaged power lines or electrical equipment, call 911 immediately and then notify PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
- During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights, and not candles, due to the risk of fire. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades, holiday trees and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
- Customers with generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to crews working on power lines.
- If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
- Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer during an outage to prevent foods from spoiling. Blue Ice from your picnic cooler also works well in the freezer.