Gusty winds, dangerous surf pose problems across Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- It was windy day around the Bay Area. Wind gusts toppled tents at a fundraiser in the South Bay and brought down a tree in the North Bay. At the beach, an advisory has been issued to keep people safe from dangerous waves.

In San Jose, the wind proved to be too strong for the Cambrian Relay For Life event at Dartmouth Middle School. Canopies were being whipped about. Fifteen to 20 of the tents blew over. Organizers had to take the cloth off the remaining canopies and drag the metal frames from the open field.

One volunteer said everyone was in shock the wind hit so fast and so strong.

"I saw a cloud of dust swirling above the whole event. Immediately, I saw most of the canopies tipped over and most people scrambling," said Relay For Life volunteer George Mageles.

There were no reports of any injuries.

An estimated 100-foot-tall valley oak tree fell in Fairfax Saturday morning. It crushed three parked cars. No one was hurt.

The Great Highway in San Francisco has been closed on and off since last Friday because the wind has moved sand onto the roadway.

The wind is also the reason for a beach hazard warning until 9 p.m. Saturday night. That means people should be aware of strong sneaker waves and rip currents. Extra beach patrols were out due to heavy traffic at Ocean Beach.

There was at least one 911 call for help, a swimmer was too far out in the water and had a hard time coming back to shore. That person eventually made it out by themselves, safely. As a result, many chose to stay out of the water.

Just two weeks ago, two 16-year-olds from Vallejo High School drowned at Ocean Beach after a wave knocked them down. Officials conducted a lengthy searched by air and by sea.

There will still be 10 to 13 foot waves tomorrow at Ocean Beach, which means swimmers should still be careful.