Storms Lash Bay Area With Floods and Winds Before Sunny Weather Returns

52 articles · Updated · San Francisco Chronicle · Apr 13

Heavy rain and strong winds battered the San Francisco Bay Area over the weekend, causing flooding, downed trees, and power outages.
Thunderstorms brought gusts up to 50 mph, pea-sized hail, and localized flooding, with the highest rainfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains and North Bay.
After the stormy weekend, the National Weather Service forecasts a return to sunny, mild weather, with temperatures climbing into the 70s by week's end.

How does this rare lightning and tornado activity reflect California's changing climate patterns?

What long-term fire season implications does this beneficial but damaging storm present?

Did new radar technology effectively track this intense, unexpected Northern California storm?

How much did the "miracle storm" actually boost California's critically low snowpack?

Are California's expanded water management strategies ready for more such hydroclimate extremes?

What are the hidden agricultural costs of California's late-season storm, beyond snowpack benefits?