If you missed the thunder and lightning show that shook and lit up the city last night, fear not: the National Weather Service is forecasting a repeat performance.
Last night's weather antics, which lasted on and off for more than four hours, delayed a Giants game, cut power in the Outer Sunset, and sparked an estimated 7,000 lightning flashes, some 1,200 of which touched down in the Bay Area, according to the NWS.
JUST IN: #SFGiants vs. #LADodgers will resume at 10:50 after lightning forced a delay. It's gonna be a late one! https://t.co/CxhdIV0XI9 pic.twitter.com/HEoZow81Hy
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) September 12, 2017
So far, seven fires in the San Mateo-Santa Cruz fire unit area are attributed to yesterday's lightning.
From Instagram: @vincentjamesphotography titled their lightning storm photo "Sales(force) of Nature" #wow #lightni… https://t.co/WdKjHoHx2O pic.twitter.com/WrLUs0JYbb
— SFGate (@SFGate) September 12, 2017
Below is a map of the area affected by outages last night:
Through the rest of the evening and into Wednesday, the prediction is for scattered showers and thunder, and a marginal risk of severe weather as the system moves inland.
"Area residents can also expect brief but heavy rain, gusty winds and cloud to ground lightning," according to Bay City News, "which could increase the potential for additional fire."
How To Prepare For A Power Outage
If nothing else, the spectacular weather this week is a reminder of how to handle power outages in the city:
- keep a week's worth of potable water and food;
- learn how to shut off your gas valves;
- avoid flooded areas and downed trees and wires;
- stock up on flashlights and batteries;
- remember that phone communication may go out;
- unplug major appliances during an outage;
- and report or check on the status of your outage with PG&E 24 hours a day: 1-800-743-5002.
