A big storm has struck California, affecting towns and cities including San Francisco on Thursday.
The storm hitting north and central California has disrupted power, as well as flood roadways and cancelling flights, according to Reuters. Flash-flood, surf and wind advisories were announced for the areas by the National Weather Service.
Areas of the Embarcadero in San Francisco were closed due to the high waves, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Many of the power outages occurred in the city’s downtown area, disrupting transportation. Almost half of those who use the services of Pacific Gas & Electric Co. in central and northern California lost power, as explained by a spokesperson for the company.
Reuters also reported weather officials explaining that California had been suffering a record drought that has lasted for years. That drought had given way to rules regarding conservation across the whole state, among other restrictions. The rains from the storm will aid against the effects of the drought, but it won’t be enough.