Rainstorm knocks out San Francisco cable car service

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- In San Francisco the storm shut down cable car service for much of the day while crews cleaned mud and debris off the tracks. Bus shuttles were used along the routes and cable car service resumed just before 2 p.m.

The downpour caused other problems across the city on Tuesday. Fifteen trees or branches have fallen in since the storm began Monday night. The Department of Public Works kept busy by trying to remove them as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

Monterey Cyprus tress in the city had to be cut down because they have a shallow root system, making them easier to topple in a storm.

"This is about average, nothing out of the ordinary. We have our regular staff on duty and we're looking at brining staff on overtime in case the winds and rain pick up and get worse," said Rachel Gordon from the Department of Public Works.

Two cars were damaged at Guerrero and 23rd streets when a limb from a Ficus tree snapped. Many of the city trees are overgrown and top heavy. They are in need of pruning.

Years of city budget cuts have drastically reduced the amount of funding needed to properly maintain the city's trees.

For full storm coverage read here.