Turbulent winds overthrew a large truck on the Golden Gate Bridge Saturday night, causing a traffic nightmare as severe weather continued to batter California.
A photograph tweeted by the California Highway Patrol showed the tractor trailer mangled and on its side, thrown into the opposite lane of traffic.
Traffic was completely shut down in both directions on the bridge shortly after 7 p.m. local time as crews removed the truck and the mess was completely cleaned up shortly after 8 p.m., according to the CHP.
The Golden Gate Bridge was struck by lightning earlier Saturday afternoon, dramatically video from NWS broadcastsas storms continue to batter California.
Since late December, California has been drenched with more than 30 inches of rain, with some estimates exceeding 40 inches near Santa Barbara, according to Fox Weather senior meteorologist Greg Diamond. More than 26 million Californians received flood warnings Saturday.
The torrential onslaught caused mudslides that closed roads in Fremont, and the swollen Salinas River flooded farmland in Monterey County.
South of San Francisco in Santa Cruz County, rising floodwaters of the San Lorenzo River and Soquel Creek forced residents in Felton Grove and Soquel Village to evacuate their homes for the second time this week. CBS Bay Area reports. In both communities, sheriff’s deputies were going door-to-door to check on residents, the sheriff’s office said on Twitter.
In Napa County north of the bay, the sheriff’s office also reported widespread flooding.
Two more storm systems are expected to hit the already soaked state, with light rain possible Sunday, followed by additional rain that threatens more flooding through Tuesday, Diamond said.
Aside from a light sprinkle and some snow in far Northern California on Thursday, most residents across the state can expect extended dry days starting midweek, he said.
At least 19 storm-related deaths have been recorded so far. A 5-year-old boy remains missing after being swept away by his mother in flood waters.
