Flooded roadways in San Francisco and high surf along the coast has prompted city departments today to ask the public to stay out of the water and report hazards.
The areas most impacted by the high surf are The Embarcardero, as well as low-lying areas along the shoreline, according to the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management.
A coastal flood warning is in effect until 7 p.m. today and a high surf advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Conditions in low-lying areas are expected to subside by around 7 p.m. as the tide recedes, according to the National Weather Service.
Waves and surf are expected to reach up to 20 feet, with a few breakers along the beach possibly exceeding 20 feet in height.
Dangerous rip currents and beach erosion is also likely, according to the weather service.
Recreational activities such as surfing, swimming and fishing are strongly discouraged and residents are urged to stay away from the beach, as very large waves can suddenly sweep across areas that were previously dry, according to the weather service.
With over 23,000 catch basins in San Francisco, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is urging residents to report flooding or blocked drains by calling 311 or via the SF311 app available for free on iPhones and Androids.
San Francisco parks have been greatly impacted by the storm with flooding reported at the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District, in Golden Gate Park from 19th Avenue westward and flooding causing the closure of John F. Shelley Drive in McLaren Park.
Richmond, Hamilton, Bernal Heights, and Moscone recreation centers, operated by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, have closed due to power outages.
Additionally, Stern Grove Recreation Grove, the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden have also closed.
Numerous trees have fallen at the Botanical Garden as a result of the storm, according to the garden’s Facebook page.
On Lincoln Boulevard, on the edge of the botanical garden, a Monterey pine tree is hanging over the street with cars parked underneath. The tree has been secured and is expected to be removed Friday when the cars are moved for street cleaning.
San Francisco Recreation and Park Department golf courses and Yacht Harbor in the Marina District have closed as well.
The Great Highway at Ocean Beach closed to traffic at 10 p.m. Wednesday and is expected to reopen tonight at 10 p.m., if conditions permit.
Hannah Albarazi, Bay City News
