Bay Area storm brings high surf, lightning, hail
SAN MATEO, Calif. (KGO) -- The Bay Area saw rain, hail, lightning and high surf on Thursday and late into the night.
On and off showers hit San Francisco and the entire Bay Area all evening. Our #abc7now community sent us video of flooding left behind at the Bayfair Mall in San Leandro after a huge downpour of rain and hail.
STORMWATCH: Track the rain on Live Doppler 7 HD radar maps
In Pacifica strong waves pounded the coast and a High Surf Warning is in effect through Friday. Those that love the waves drew storm lovers to the coast.
San Francisco resident Kathleen Dunbar told ABC7 News, "We had to come down here after work to feel all the elements and hear the crashes of the waves and feel the pier move. I love storms."
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One of our ABC7 News crews caught this video of lightning above I-80 between Colfax and Auburn.
In San Mateo the self-serve sand piles were open and we found businesses taking advantage of that offer to try to protect their shops and restaurants.
In San Francisco's Mission District there was a downpour of hail. These icy images captured with a cellphone camera.
In Lafayette, the heavy rain made driving difficult for the evening commute and at least one bolt of lightning caught the attention of 16-year-old Armando Epifani.
"I saw a bright flash so I went to the window and started recording. I got that thunder clap recorded and that really made me jump. I hadn't heard anything that loud before," Epifani said.
The rain was a bit heavier in Walnut Creek where low visibility caused a driver to accidently strike a police officer. The officer was directing traffic at the scene of an accident on Buena Vista near 3rd Street when the car knocked him on top of the hood then back on to the street. The officer was treated for a knee injury and released.
Officer Daniel Hill from the CHP had a few key reminders for drivers. He said, "Take it a step down when it's raining. Slow down, increase your following distance."
VIDEO: Watch your ABC7 AccuWeather forecast
SANDBAG INFORMATION:
San Francisco: 10 free sand bags are available to each household until 2 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each week Monday through Saturday at 2323 Cesar Chavez St., Gordon said. She said residents should enter at the Marin and Kansas Street gate.
If you see a storm drain clogged or other storm-related damage, you can report it by calling San Francisco's non-emergency line 3-1-1 (within SF only) or 415-701-2311. More information on SF311.org here.
SF311.org: Report Problems With Streets and Sidewalks
SF311.org: Report Problems With Sewer and Flooding Issues
Please provide the following with your service request: location where service is needed (address or intersection) and a description of problem (garbage on catchbasin, leaks, etc.)
