Bomb cyclone slams into city killing one and plunging over 230,000 into darkness
A bomb cyclone has killed one person and plunged over 230,000 residents into darkness after San Francisco was hit with hurricane-force winds on Tuesday evening.
The torrential rainfall slammed the West Coast after wind speeds of up to 78mph caused trees to fall and debris to fly everywhere in Portolla Valley, US.
Video from eyewitnesses shows glass from high rise flats plummeting to the ground as the storm hit San Fransisco on Tuesday afternoon.
There were no reported injuries from the incident but evacuation orders were issued after two people were injured by a falling tree.
One person was tragically killed in a similar incident in San Mateo County.
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
California Highway patrol officer David LaRock said there were over 230,000 residents left without power after debris and power lines were down.
Vehicles have been left trapped after heavy rain in California (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)He told Weather.com: "Due to high winds, a large tree fell on the vehicle as it was traveling eastbound. When emergency crews arrived they had to clear several large branches to get to the vehicle."
Eyewitnesses, including Meteorologist Drew Tuma, said winds dropped from "60mph to dead calm in an instant" as he was caught in the storm.
The winds led to flights being grounded at San Francisco International Airport with over 300 flights delayed.
People have been forced to abandoned their cars after the flooding (Getty Images)20 flights had to be cancelled with Oakland and San Jose Mineta International Airports reporting delays as passengers vented their frustration on social media.
Meanwhile, an overflowing levee in San Francisco caused a section to break loose and drifted away as multiple boats were left stranded.
Motorists across California were left stranded after power lines hit Woodside and left them trapped with many residents being forced to shelter in place due to a number of electrical wires falling.
Trees and power lines have fallen which has led to thousands of residents without power (AP)Ferry services were also cancelled on Tuesday afternoon after serve winds in the Bay-area led to 'ocean-like waves.'
And in San Joaquin County, which is just two hours from San Fransisco, the bomb cyclone submerged streets with deep floodwaters as the San Francisco Fire Department urged residents to take precautions.
Spokesman Jonathan Baxter said: "There's lots of street closures right now throughout San Francisco, just due to wires down, trees down, flooded areas.
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Motorways have been closed off due to the flooding (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)"'Be aware of the severe storm heading through San Francisco. If you don't have to be out, consider other options. If you are going to be out, expect delays throughout your travels."
With winds expected to reach up to 75mph on Wednesday, a winter storm warning has been placed for the Greater Lake Tahoe area with disruption expected to hit the area until later in the week.
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