- Temporary lanes of I-95 to reopen this weekend, Gov. Shapiro says WHYY
- Tacony business needs support from community more than ever after I-95 collapse CBS News
- Philadelphia I-95 construction schedule: Bridge collapse updates from Josh Shapiro expected The Philadelphia Inquirer
- I-95 reopening project: Portion of Interstate 95 that collapsed in Philly will reopen this weekend, Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro says WPVI-TV
- Portion of I-95 that collapsed in Philadelphia will reopen this weekend, governor says 6abc Philadelphia
- View Full Coverage on Google News
Tag Archives: reopen
San Francisco Bay Area storm live updates: Southbound lanes of Hwy 1 reopen after rockslide near Tom Lantos Tunnels
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Intense storms that battered the San Francisco Bay Area for more than a week caused flooding, downed trees and power outages. After another weekend of rain and strong winds, some dry days are ahead this week, but another storm is expected Wednesday. Even with a break in the rain for now, the region is still facing residual effects as a result of the strong storm.
Jan. 16, 2023
11 p.m.
People head outside to enjoy the sunshine for 1st time in weeks as storm cleanup continues
After a seemingly never-ending stretch of storms, the sunshine is finally back in the Bay Area.
In San Francisco, a still soaked Crissy Field was alive with people.
“We didn’t have to bring our umbrella. We just kind of walked out of the house and didn’t have to worry about getting drenched,” said Kate Costello.
But it wasn’t bright skies for everyone. Earlier in the day, The Golden Gate National Recreation Area tweeted a photo of an old military structure on the beach of Fort Funston after it slid down a nearby bluff.
“I believe that what rolled out of the hill this morning was a piece of the rifle range, apparently dated to the 1930s,” said retired National Park Service Curator, John Martini.
The structure tumbled off the cliff around 10 a.m. Monday, likely due to the saturated land according to park officials.
“We actually did a study to see could we stabilize in place some of these structures, especially some of the gun positions, and it was just so prohibitively expensive,” said Martini.
Fort Funston is home to several such military structures, some of which played roles during the second world war.
Due to time and erosion, several have fallen over the years.
No one was injured in the slide, but park staff reminded visitors to be cautious of their surroundings in the area.
4 p.m.
Hwy 13 expected to reopen Monday evening after closure for mudslides
Caltrans crews are still working Monday afternoon to remove mud from a stretch of of southbound Highway 13 in Oakland, where a fallen tree and mudslides closed the road late Sunday night.
The road is expected to reopen between 5 and 6 p.m. Monday, according California Highway Patrol Officer Adib Zeid.
3:40 p.m.
Southbound lanes of Hwy 1 reopen after rockslide near Tom Lantos Tunnels
The southbound lanes of Highway 1 near the Tom Lantos Tunnels have reopened after a massive boulder and rockslide blocked part of the roadway.
3:30 p.m.
South Bay reservoirs spilling following storms
This series of atmospheric storms filled many Santa Clara County reservoirs to the point of spilling.
“Uvas Reservoir in South County has been spilling for a good week, Almaden Reservoir on and off, Coyote Reservoir been spilling,” said Bassam Kassab, Water Supply Operation Manager for Valley Water.
The most recent to spill has been Lexington Reservoir near Los Gatos.
Crews have been working to clear debris and blockage throughout the county but one of the most important jobs for those who manage the local waterways will be to draw down the reservoirs to stop the spilling.
They expect spilling at Lexington to stop in the next three days and the other reservoirs within a week or two.
This time of year, Valley Water says the reservoirs can’t stay completely full in case more storms come, so they will be releasing some of the water until the spring when we typically don’t expect as much rain.
2:15 p.m.
WWII bunker slides off bluff onto beach at Fort Funston
Golden Gate National Recreation Area officials are urging visitors to be attentive to their surroundings and follow trailhead signs after a WWII bunker slid off a bluff and onto the beach below.
1:10 p.m.
Both directions of Hwy 37 reopen after flooding
The California Highway Patrol tweeted Monday afternoon that both directions of Highway 37 are open and only the right westbound lane remains closed for safety reasons. It will reopen once CHP deems it to be safe.
1 p.m.
Massive boulder, rockslide blocking part of Hwy 1 near Devil’s Slide
A massive boulder and rockslide are blocking part of Highway 1 near the Tom Lantos Tunnels. Video taken from ABC7 reporter Gloria Rodriguez shows cars are still able to make it around the boulder but traffic is slowed in the area.
12:30 p.m.
19 homes evacuated along Kirker Creek in Pittsburg
Pittsburg PD confirms they asked families in at least 19 homes along the Kirker Creek to evacuate overnight, along with four units in the Fox Creek Apartment complex. Twelve people were rescued via boat by a swift-water rescue team.
12 p.m.
Rushing water at the Lexington Reservoir
Video shows the Lexington Reservoir spillway outflow at the base of the dam. The water goes into Los Gatos Creek.
8:20 a.m.
NB 101 in Redwood City closed
Lanes are blocked on Northboound 101 in Redwood City due to emergency pothole repairs at Woodside Road. Dozens of cars have been damaged by the large pothole.
CHP says to expect delays and advises using alternate routes. There is no estimated time of opening.
8:15 a.m.
Berkeley mudslides shutdown roads, cause evacuation warnings
Several areas in Berkeley have seen mudslides Monday morning.
The spiral between Wildcat Canyon and Middlefield, Middlefield North of the crossways, and Wildcat Canyon between Sunset and Park Hills Road are closed due to a mudslide.
Berkeley police are advising residents in the area to be prepared to evacuate, and say some already have.
UC Berkeley police also say to avoid the area of Sports Lane at the Clark Kerr campus because of a mudslide.
Read more here.
Jan. 15, 2023
9:40 p.m.
Santa Clara County extends evacuation warning to include more areas
The County of Santa Clara announced an extension to existing evacuation warnings to include community members residing in the watershed areas along the Bloomfield Avenue Area – between Highways 25 and 152, and south of Bloomfield Avenue to the county line – due to the weather conditions and potential risks of flooding to the general public and property.
SCC said the prior evacuation warning zone is being expanded due to two levy breaches in San Benito County, which is adjacent to the expanded zone area.
The county’s office of emergency services recommends that community members living in the marked areas should gather their household members, pets, personal items, important documents, prescription medications, change of clothes, non-perishable foods, water, extra batteries, flashlights, and phone chargers in preparation for potential evacuations.
The county also announced a Local Assistance Center at San Martin Lion’s Club, located at 12415 Murphy Ave. in San Martin. This shelter is accessible and all service animals are welcome.
4:35 p.m.
Caltrans announces several storm-related highway closures
The latest winter storm system to move through the Bay Area region has resulted in various highway closures in the following locations due to road hazards on the highway, says Caltrans:
East Bay:
Alameda County — SR 84 (Niles Canyon) from Main Street in Sunol to Mission Boulevard in Fremont is closed.
North Bay:
Sonoma County — SR 1 near Coleman Gulch Road. One-way traffic control in place.
Sonoma County — SR 1 at Russian Gulch to Meyers Grade Road. One-way traffic control in place.
Marin County — Full closure of SR 37 between U.S. 101 and Atherton Avenue, including connector ramps from U.S. 101
Napa County — Westbound SR 128 near Lower Chiles Valley Road. One-way traffic control in place.
South Bay:
Santa Clara County — Eastbound SR 130 near Quimby Road. Local Traffic Only.
San Mateo County — SR 92 from upper SR 35 to Pilarcitos Creek Road, Half Moon Bay. One-way traffic control.
San Mateo County — Lane reduction in place on southbound U.S. 101 near Broadway Street.
San Mateo County — Northbound SR 1 near Pescadero Road. One-way traffic control in place.
4:15 p.m.
More slides prompt new, continued closures to parts of Hwy 1, Caltrans says
Caltrans says it continues to make assessments in its recovery efforts for numerous locations on Highway 1 that have been impacted by the series of California storms.
Multiple locations continue to be closed:
- Roads just south of Mill Creek are closed both ways due to a recent rockslide
- Crews are responding to an area north of Lucia, where a lane has accrued over one foot of debris and sediment over the last two days
- A new closures is in place at the location known as Morning Glory
- The southern closure of Highway 1 will remain at the elephant seal viewing area, four miles north of San Simeon.
- A significant slide, one mile south of Ragged Point, extends over both lanes of travel. As a result, the highway is impassible at this location and is expected to restrict access to Ragged Point from the south for several weeks.
Caltrans crews will be onsite at these locations over the next few days to help clear the roadways.
12:50 p.m.
Hwy 37 in Novato to remain closed indefinitely, Caltrans says
Highway 37 between Highway 101 and Atherton Ave. in Novato will remain closed indefinitely, Caltrans said in a tweet.
11 a.m.
Both directions of Hwy 37 in Novato to remain closed until Monday, Caltrans says
Highway 37 between Highway 101 and Atherton Ave. in Novato will remain closed until Monday, Caltrans said. The area closed after water rose from the Novato Creek Saturday afternoon.
Caltrans is continuing to pump out flood water, but crews say, more water is coming from downstream.
10 a.m.
Muir Woods in Mill Valley reopens Sunday
After being closed Saturday due to storm, Muir Woods is expected to reopen Sunday, but at a later time, at 10 a.m.
9 a.m.
Both directions of Hwy 37 closed in Novato due to flooding, CHP says
Image of flooding at Highway 37 in Novato, Calif. on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023.
California Highway Patrol
The California Highway Patrol says both directions of Highway 37 from Atherton Ave. to U.S. Route 101 in Novato are closed due to severe flooding.
Crews are trying to pump out floodwater.
No word when the highway will reopen.
8 a.m.
Highway 92 near Half Moon Bay partially reopens, crews continue to repair sinkhole
Caltrans has partially reopened state Highway 92 near Half Moon Bay as of Saturday evening.
One-way traffic control went into effect just after 8 p.m. Saturday on eastbound Highway 92 at Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) to Pilarcitos Creek Road in Half Moon Bay.
Westbound Highway 92 remains closed from Highway 35 to Pilarcitos Creek Road in Half Moon Bay.
The closure remains in effect while work crews continue to make repairs on a sinkhole.
Jan. 14, 2023
8 p.m.
Golden Gate Bridge reopens both directions after big rig overturn: Caltrans
Golden Gate Bridge is opening back up in both directions, according to Caltrans. Drivers should expect traffic delays, consider alternate routes, and allow for additional travel time.
7:15 p.m.
SR 37 near Atherton Avenue in Marin Co. closed in both directions due to flooding: Caltrans
Caltrans in coordination with the California Highway Patrol has closed State Route 37 in both eastbound and westbound directions near Atherton Avenue in Novato due to storm related flooding.
Motorists are encouraged to use U.S. 101 to I-580 Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, then eastbound I-80 to travel from Marin County to Solano and other North Bay destinations.
7 p.m.
Golden Gate Bridge closed in both directions due to overturned big rig: Caltrans
The Golden Gate Bridge closed in both directions early Saturday evening due to an overturned big rig. Emergency crews and the California Highway Patrol are on scene. Motorists can expect traffic delays.
4 p.m.
Flood Advisory in effect in Santa Cruz Co., NWS says
The National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory in Santa Cruz County until 6 p.m.
1 p.m.
Evacuation orders for Holohan, East Lake and College in Santa Cruz County, officials say
Evacuations are underway along Holohan, East Lake and College areas in Santa Cruz County, officials say
11:30 a.m.
Hundreds without power in West Marin after giant tree knocks down power lines, blocks road
PG&E is trying to restore power after a giant Cypress tree fell on the road knocking down power lines on Highway 1 in Point Reyes in West Marin.
The tree fell at Mesa Rd. and Cypress Rd. shutting down the road. Caltrans is working to clear the tree, according to ABC7’s Cornell Barnard who’s at the scene.
At last check, nearly 900 customers in the area are without power.
10:40 a.m.
Muir Woods in Marin County closed Saturday due to weather, park says
Officials with Muir Woods say the park will be closed Saturday as a result of the morning’s storm. “Due to severe storm impacts, weather forecast, and road conditions, we have decided to close Muir Woods today.”
They say reservations will be automatically canceled and refunded. They will monitor Sunday’s weather conditions to see if the park will reopen.
10:35a.m.
Parts of Cloverdale Road in Pescadero in San Mateo County closed due to mudslide, CAL FIRE says
Parts of Cloverdale Road in Pescadero in San Mateo County is closed due to mudslide, CAL FIRE CZU said on Saturday. Officials say the closure is near Butano State Park Road. Drivers should avoid the area. There is no estimate of reopening.
9:25 a.m.
Flood Watch undegraded to Flood Warning for Sonoma County, Santa Rosa fire officials say
The National Weather Service has upgraded a Flood Watch to a Flood Warning for Sonoma County through 2:30 p.m., Santa Rosa fire officials said. The NWS could change the time of the warning based on weather conditions, officials added.
8.30 a.m.
Report of power lines down in Berkeley, firefighters say
The Berkeley fire department is advising residents to avoid the area of Clairmont Ave. between Stonewall, Tanglewood and Avalon until further notice due to multiple power lines down in Clairmont. More info here.
8 a.m.
Evacuations underway in Felton Grove in Santa Cruz Co. due to major storm, officials say
Emergency evacuations are underway in Felton Grove because of the relentless weather.
“Deputies are in the area. If you live in the neighborhood, please leave now,” Santa Cruz County officials tweeted Saturday morning.
They’re concerned about possible flooding along the San Lorenzo River later today.
There are two evacuation centers open for this community.
One is at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville.
Another is set up at Cabrillo College in Aptos.
Both areas are pet friendly and have RV parking.
This is an area that has already been hit hard.
The town of Felton has been pummeled with rain — leaving a swampy mess for people living in the Felton Grove neighborhood.
Residents have had to evacuate multiple times since the start of the new year due to major flooding.
And this morning, Santa Cruz County officials urging residents to get out once again.
7:45 a.m.
Pregame flyover over Levi’s Stadium canceled
Saturday’s scheduled pregame flyover over Levi’s Stadium has been canceled because of weather.
The wild-card playoff game will still continue.
The 49ers are set to play against the Seattle Seahawks at 1:30 p.m.
6 a.m.
High Surf Warning in effect for coastline until 10 a.m.
A High Surf Warning is in effect for the coastline until 10 a.m. Saturday due to the heavy rain and strong wind. Waves are expected to be 20 – 25 feet tall. Officials say people should stay out of the water because of life-threatening swimming and surf conditions.
5:30 a.m.
Wind Advisory in effect for Bay Area Saturday morning, Solano Co. until 6 p.m.
There is a Wind Advisory in effect for the entire Bay Area this morning. The advisory will be in effect longer for Solano County from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
5a.m.
Flood Watch in effect for entire Bay Area this weekend through Monday with more rain, strong winds
There is a Flood Watch for the entire Bay Area through Monday at 4 p.m. with flooding possible as strong Level 3 Storm makes way to the Bay Area Saturday morning.
Jan. 13, 2023
11 p.m.
Marin Co. first responders gear up for the weekend, while still recovering from Friday’s storm
At an apartment complex in Fairfax, a mudslide crashed into the building from an adjacent hill, displacing 19 residents along with their pets.
“I got woken up this morning by a loud knock on the door. It was the fire department saying the whole hill was coming down,” said one of the evacuees.
Another slide happened down the road in Lagunitas, where one family was left to clean up the mess in their backyard.
While Friday was a busy day for first responders around Marin County, fire officials tell ABC7 News they’re also gearing up for what’s to come this weekend.
At the Marin County Fire Station in Woodacre, Battalion Chief Graham Groneman showed us some of the search and rescue equipment he and his team are getting ready for the coming days.
“We’re going to see trees down, power lines down. People are going to be out of power. And I think it all comes down to where the storm impacts the Bay Area,” he said.
He says that there will be several teams on standby throughout the county, ready to respond in a moment’s notice.
“We’ve had multiple deployments of our urban search and rescue team and our water team in preparation for these storm events,” said Groneman.
But after weeks of heavy rain and wind, Groneman says he thinks everyone is ready for a little break.
“I think we’re all ready for the sun to come out and things to dry out a little bit.”
8 p.m.
North Bay under Flood Advisory until 10 p.m.
The National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory for portions of the Northern Bay Area, including Sonoma County until 10 p.m. this evening. NWS says urban and small stream flooding caused by additional rainfall on already saturated soil is expected.
This will have an impact of :
- Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas
- Rises in small streams
- Dangerous flows over low-water crossings
- Water over roadways
- Overflowing poor drainage areas
- Some impassable low-water crossings
- Elevated river or stream flows
- Ponding of water in urban or other area
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles,” said NWS in its announcement.
The agency also recommends the public to:
- Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.
- Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather service when you can do so safely.
5:45 p.m.
Evacuation warnings issued for parts of Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County has issued evacuation warnings for watershed areas of the Uvas Reservoir, Pacheo Pass River basin and Highway 101 and Bolsa Road due to potential risk of flooding and weather conditions.
Pacheco Pass River Basin for those living in the areas of:
- El Toro Rd South of HWY 152 to Bloomfield Ave
- Lovers Lane between Shore Rd and HWY 152
Watershed Areas of the Uvas Reservoir include those living:
- South of Uvas Reservoir including Thousand Trails RV Park and Uvas Pines RV Park
- South of Sycamore Drive and Watsonville Rd
- Homes south of Lions Peak
- South of Day Road and Geri Lane
- Watsonville and HWY 152
HWY 101 and Bolsa Rd.:
- South of Hwy 152, East of Hwy 101.
- South of Pacheco Pass (Hwy 152) and East of Hwy 101.
- South of Luchessa Ave. and East of Thomas Rd.
- East of Santa Teresa Blvd. to Castro Valley Rd.
- North of Castro Valley Rd. to Luchessa Ave.
- North of Hwy 25 between Hwy 101 & Bloomfield Rd.
- West of Bloomfield Ave. between Hwy 25 & Pacheco Pass (Hwy 152)
- East of Hwy 101 to Pacheco Pass (Hwy 152)
The county is encouraging resident to stay off the roads, creek beds, waterways and fast moving waters. For more information, go to www.PrepareSCC.org/Flood.
5 p.m.
Santa Clara County braces for more storms
In Santa Clara County, clean up and repairs continue after the region was hit with flooding and mass power outages.
Now, officials are preparing for the next round of storms and working to make sure the public is ready too.
“Crews, as you’re well aware, are working around the clock for the past few weeks to remove debris and other blockages from those portions of creeks and streams throughout Santa Clara County,” said John Varela, Valley Water board chair.
The emergency order has been extended throughout the county to provide necessary resources.
Varela says nearly 52,000 homes and businesses in Santa Clara County are within the FEMA special flood hazard area.
County officials say the circumstances are challenging, but they’re ready for the worst.
“This season, we’ve been coordinating all year through hot weather and cold weather,” said Darrell Ray, deputy director of Santa Clara County’s Office of Emergency Management, “So we got plenty of practice throughout the last 12 months.”
Officials also urge everyone to sign up for local reverse 911 alerts like SCCalerts in Santa Clara County.
Other reminders include making sure you have an emergency plan with family and friends and have an emergency supply kit.
1 p.m.
Comcast opens free WiFi hotspots to help residents during storms
Comcast announced Friday that more than 147,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots throughout Northern and Central California are now available and free for anyone, including non-Xfinity customers, to use during the storms. For a map of public hotspots visit Xfinity.com/wifi.
12:45 p.m.
Wind Advisory issued for entire Bay Area on Saturday
ABC7 News Meteorologist Drew Tuma says a Wind Advisory has been issued for the entire Bay Area from 4 a.m.-Noon Saturday for wind gusts up to 50 mph.
6 a.m.
Caltrans running limited convoy operations to closure area of Hwy 1
Caltrans is running a limited convoy operation on Friday in order to allow for access in and out of the closure area of state Highway 1 for resupply runs.
This is limited access to allow for resupplies during this window of milder weather before a more intense storm passes over the region this weekend.
Convoy schedule for Friday:
- Convoy will depart from Ragged Point at 12 noon and arrive just south of Deetjen’s Inn at approximately 1:30 p.m.
- Convoy will depart from just south of Deetjen’s Inn at 3 pm and arrive at Ragged Point at approximately 4:40 p.m.
Jan. 12, 2023
6 p.m.
North Bay prepares for next round of storms
In the North Bay, a break between storms Thursday meant a chance to cleanup, dry out and assess the damage from the last storm.
Chain saws were working overtime, trying to remove a giant 100-foot Pine tree from Janine Wilson’s backyard in Santa Rosa where it toppled around 3 a.m. Thursday, after heavy storms this week.
“We heard a big boom, saw hole in the ceiling, got out and called 911,” said Wilson. Remarkably, no one was hurt but about that hole in the bedroom ceiling – it’s about 12 inches wide.
Across town, Robert Cepeda’s tree trimming crew was more than busy, he says they’ve working non-stop since New Year’s Eve.
On the fast moving Russian River, levels were holding steady at Forestville.
Flooding could happen possibly Sunday. Sonoma County Fire District Captain Shawn Johnson was watching the river and taking advantage of a break in the weather to do some swift water rescue training.
3:05 p.m.
Oakland Zoo to remain closed
Oakland Zoo tweeted on Thursday that it would remain closed due to reconstruction delays from massive sinkhole damage caused by the Bay Area storms.
2:30 p.m.
Niles Canyon Road reopens after repairs, flooding
Caltrans tweeted Thursday afternoon that Niles Canyon Road (Highway 84) between Fremont and Sunol has reopened after repairs to a guardrail and flooding.
12 p.m.
Santa Clara Co. leaders urge residents to sign up for Emergency Alerts
After devastating flooding across Santa Clara County, leaders are calling on the public to make potentially life-saving preparations on our last day of dry weather before the rain returns this weekend. The best way they say people can do this is by signing up for emergency alerts from SCCAlerts.org.
More than one million residents have signed up for the personalized alerts for where you live in the county. 166 thousand texts and made 462 calls have been sent out over our recent winter storms. This includes when the Uvas Creek Flooded in Gilroy. With flooding a possibility this weekend, Santa Clara County wants everyone to be ready for all possibilities.
“Knowledge can save lives,” Santa Clara Co. Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg said. “Information can help you avert personal disaster. Connectivity allows you to protect your loved ones.”
8:30 a.m.
Flood Watch issued for entire Bay Area this weekend
ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma says a Flood Watch has been issued for the entire Bay Area this weekend. While we’re getting a break from the rain Thursday, he forecasts it returning with a chance of thunderstorms Friday. An even stronger storm, a Level 3 on the exclusive ABC7 Storm Impact Scale, is expected to hit the region on Saturday, with the worst of it hitting between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
Sinkhole closes both directions of Highway 92 near Half Moon Bay, CHP says
Highway 92 in San Mateo County has been shut down again in both directions due to a sinkhole that formed overnight, CHP says. Latest here.
7 a.m.
CA extreme drought virtually eliminated after January storms, Bay Area sees ‘huge gains’
A new drought monitor is out and the extreme drought category (second highest) has been virtually wiped out across California. A small sliver still exists on the California/Oregon border but that only accounts for 0.3% of the state. Full story here.
Jan. 11, 2023
5 p.m.
Hwy 92 reopens with alternating one-way traffic controls due to unsafe road conditions
Authorities say Highway 92 has reopened with alternating one-way traffic controls from upper Highway 35 west to Pilacritos Creek Road.
Earlier Thursday, CHP shut down the highway due to unsafe road conditions caused by the wet weather. CHP tweeted out a picture of the dip in the road that they said could turn into a sinkhole if cars continue to drive on that portion of the road.
2:20 p.m.
Flood Advisory issued for San Francisco, parts of Marin, San Mateo counties
ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma says Flood Advisory has been issued for San Francisco, southern Marin County and northern San Mateo County.
1 p.m.
CA water officials give update on parade of storms
Officials with the California Department of Water Resources and forecasters give an update on the parade of storms that continue to cause problems across the state.
11:18 a.m.
State Route 92 in Redwood City closed in both directions at State Route 35 in Redwood City, CHP says
State Route 92 in Redwood City is closed in both directions between upper and lower State Route 35 due to unsafe road conditions caused by the wet weather, the California Highway Patrol says. They say drivers should take alternate routes.
11:12 a.m.
Eastbound lane of Bolinas Road in West Marin closed due to landslide
Marin Public Works says the eastbound lane of Bolinas Rd is closed near Sky Oaks Rd intersection in West Marin due to a landslide. Traffic controls says measures are in place allow for alternating two-way traffic through the other lane until the road can be repaired.
Jan. 10, 2023
2:15 p.m.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and CA officials give update on storm damage in Bay Area, state
Governor Gavin Newsom and California officials gave an update on the storm damage that slammed the Bay Area and state.
He says around 34,000 people across California are currently under evacuation orders and 163,000 people are without power in the state.
Gov. Newsom says the wind has been a disproportionate factor in terms of downed power lines and fallen trees.
He is reminding the public “just because it looks clear, doesn’t mean it is clear,” to take precautions with the weather.
Newsom also addressed the five-year-old San Luis Obispo boy who is missing after he was swept away in floodwaters on Monday.
“It’s at moments like this, we just pray for a miracle. That young boy child whose lives now danger having been missing for some time, down in Paso Robles.”
He also addressed how we’re in a drought. “We’re in the third year of the driest drought conditions that we’ve experienced in recorded history going back to 1896.”
Newsom also says “the dryers are getting a lot drier in the last three years and the wets are getting a lot wetter. This weather Whiplash is that new reality?”
He says the focus should be on how the state manages these challenges and how it deals with hydrology going forward. “In terms of storm water capture, rainwater capture, and how we address these floods in terms of banking the water for the future.”
1:45 p.m.
Flash Flood Warning downgraded to Flash Flood Watch
A Flash Flood Warning has been downgraded to a Flash Flood Watch for the entire Bay Area until 4 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
1:21 p.m.
Tree falls on Muni bus in San Francisco
A big tree fell on a Muni bus in San Francisco on Tuesday, according to ABC7’s Lyanne Melendez who shot video of the incident. It happened at Stockton and Sutter. Melendez says live power lines also fell. No word yet on any injuries.
12:40 p.m.
Thunderstorms expected at parts of the Bay Area this afternoon, National Weather Service says
The National Weather Service says thunderstorms are expected to hit portions of the Bay Area throughout the afternoon on Tuesday. They are advising residents to take precautions, saying “when thunder roars, go indoors.”
Officials say Sutro Tower in San Francisco suffered a lightning strike as a thunderstorm moved across the city.
12:20 p.m.
Flash Flood Warning issued for SF, Daly City and South San Francisco, NWS says
A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for San Francisco, Daly City CA and South San Francisco until 3:30 p.m., the National Weather Service tweeted on Tuesday.
10:00 a.m.
SF sees half a year’s worth of rain in last 2 weeks
ABC7 News Meteorologist Drew Tuma says San Francisco has seen half a year’s worth of rain in the last two weeks. Since Christmas Day we have only experienced two completely dry days.
9 a.m.
These State Routes are closed in Santa Cruz County, CHP says
SR-9 at Keystone way
SR-9, between Glen Arbor Rd. and Holiday Ln.
SR-9, north of SR-236
SR-9 at Lazy Woods Rd.
SR-35 at Bear Creek Rd.
SR-236 at Little Basin Rd.
9 a.m.
Nearly 100,000 power outages in Bay Area
PG&E is reporting over 93,000 power outages on Tuesday, with most coming from the South Bay.
PG&E says that over 53,000 outages are in the South Bay and over 19,000 outages are on the Peninsula.
Downed trees and power lines have caused issues Tuesday morning.
4:45 a.m.
Flood Warning canceled for Russian River
The flood warning along the Russian River has been canceled as cresting moved just below the 32-foot flood stage.
However, there remains significant flooding and damage in the area. The parking lot at Steelhead Beach on the Russian River is underwater.
John Cordes says his friend’s entire yard in Guerneville flooded and his only way out was by boat.
Two cars submerged in flood waters at Slusser and River Roads just outside Santa Rosa.
Fire crews also helped rescue the driver trapped in a Mercedes.
4:30 a.m.
Southbound Hwy 17 has reopened
Following a landslide that blocked the road on Monday, Highway 17 at Glenwood Dr. in Los Gatos has reopened.
Before reopening the highway, CHP officers were out checking the roadways, which were lined with downed trees.
Jan. 9, 2023
7:45 p.m.
All lanes reopened on Highway 101 in Gilroy
The northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 101 in Gilroy have reopened, according to a Caltrans tweet. Both directions closed following major flooding on the highway and homes flooding.
Video shows homes, highways near Gilroy flooded following major storm
6:15p.m.
Southbound Highway 101 in Gilroy reopens
ABC7’s Amanda del Castillo said the southbound direction of Highway 101 in Gilroy has reopened.
5:30 p.m.
The following roads remain closed or experiencing flooding in Gilroy:
Northbound-one lane is open, all southbound lanes are closed. Closure anticipated through at least 6 p.m. For updates, visit here.
The City of Gilroy said drivers need to avoid Silva’s Crossing and the Christmas Hill Park area due to high flood waters and dangerous conditions.
As of 5:30 p.m., the following roads are now open to traffic:
3:30 p.m.
Evacuation warnings issued for parts of Santa Clara Co. due to flooding
Evacuation warnings have been issued for residents living in the areas of Highway 101 and Bolsa Road due to flooding and other severe weather impacts.
The areas include:
- South of Hwy 152, East of Hwy 101.
- South of Pacheco Pass (Hwy 152) and East of Hwy 101.
- South of Luchessa Ave. and East of Thomas Rd.
- East of Santa Teresa Blvd. to Castro Valley Rd.
- North of Castro Valley Rd. to Luchessa Ave.
- North of Hwy 25 between Hwy 101 & Bloomfield Rd.
- West of Bloomfield Ave. between Hwy 25 & Pacheco Pass (Hwy 152)
- East of Hwy 101 to Pacheco Pass (Hwy 152)
12:50 p.m.
Stretch of southbound Hwy 101 closed near Gilroy due to flooding
A stretch of southbound Highway 101 is closed near Gilroy on Monday due to flooding, police said.
Southbound lanes at Mesa Road, just south of Monterey Highway, are closed, according to an advisory sent shortly before noon.
Bolsa Road is also flooding between Travel Park Circle and Carnadero Avenue, police said.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
11:50 p.m.
San Jose reporting several road closures due to flooding, landslides
The City of San Jose is reporting several road closure throughout the city due to flooding and landslides. Officials say Bailey Road between McKean Road and Santa Teresa is closed due to flooding and slides. Gardendale Drive, south of Hillsdale Avenue is closed due to “water levels overtopping.” Lastly, Mill Pond Drive under Highway 87 is closed due to flooding.
11:45 a.m.
Santa Cruz. Co bridge collapses into Carrolitos Creek
Fire officials are warning drivers to use another route in Santa Cruz County after the Browns Valley Road Bridge collapsed into the Carrolitos Creek. They say crews have responded to the scene and made contact with residents in the area.
11:30 a.m.
San Jose airport parking lot closed due to flooding
Officials at Mineta San Jose Int’l Aiport say Parking Lot 2 is currently closed due to flooding. Officials say that it does not impact cars already in the lot but the entrance to the lot. Travelers are being advised to use an alternative lot if you are parking at the airport today.
11:10 a.m.
Flooding reported on Crossover Drive through Golden Gate Park
Residents are encouraged to avoid the stretch of Crossover Drive that runs through Golden Gate Park due to flooding, according to an alert notification from AlertSF.
Emergency crews are working to clear the road between Fulton Street and Lincoln Way.
Drivers can expect additional travel time, and should consider alternative routes, said the notification.
Life traffic updates can be found at https://511.org/.
10:50 a.m.
All westbound lanes of Hwy 37 in Marin County closed due to flooding
Caltrans says all westbound lanes of Highway 37 at Atherton Drive in Marin County are closed due to flooding. For live traffic conditions head to https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
10:45 a.m.
Road closures reported in Fairfield due to flooding
Flooding in Fairfield resulted in some road closures Monday morning, police said.
The closures include the on- and off- ramps to: Webster Street from Highway 12 and from Jackson Street to Highway 12. In addition, Abernathy at Suisun Valley Road are closed due to floods, according to police.
Residents were advised to never drive through flooded roadways and if possible, to avoid traveling.
Flooding can be reported to the Fairfield Police Departments dispatch at (707) 428-7300.
10 a.m.
Southbound Highway 17 closed due to landslide
The California Highway Patrol tweeted out Monday morning that southbound Highway 17 is closed south of Glenwood Drive due to a landslide.
8:50 a.m.
Several Petaluma roads closed due to flooding
Roads across Petaluma has been closed due to flooding that has stranded several drivers. Authorities advise residents to avoid flooded roads and use detours. They say the rain is subsiding in the area but runoff from the Petaluma River watershed will continue for the next few hours.
- Petaluma Blvd North between Corona Road and US 101.
- Old Redwood Hwy between North McDowell and US 101.
- The intersection of Petaluma North and Industrial Drive/Stony Point Road is closed.
- Stony Point Road between Petaluma Blvd North and Pepper Road.
- Rainsville Road between Stony Road and Liberty Road.
- Lakeville Hwy (SR-116) between Stage Gulch Road and Frates Road.
- Westbound Lakeville in the 100 block, near Madison Street.
- Northbound North McDowell at Redwood Way.
8:15 a.m.
An Evacuation Warning has been issued for parts of Vacaville
Authorities have issued an Evacuation Warning for residents in the Southwood Place area in Vacaville. Officials say anyone living South of Marshall Road, East of Peabody, North of Alamo and West of the Putah Canal is advised there is a potential threat to life and property.
6:40 a.m.
Santa Cruz County evacuations
There are evacuations happening Monday morning in Santa Cruz County as the San Lorenzo River is at flood stage.
Aptos Beach Flats are under evacuation orders, as well as people in Felton Grove and Paradise Park.
You are also asked to leave if you are in Soquel Wharf Road.
People evacuating in the county can go to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville and Cabrillo College in Aptos. Both areas are pet friendly and have RV parking.
Santa Cruz County provided this link to check on evacuations. You can also call 831-454-2285 for details on evacuations and shelters.
5:00 a.m.
President Biden approves California Emergency Declaration
The White House has approved Governor Gavin Newsom’s request to declare a federal emergency in California due to floods and storms.
This allows the state to get more federal funds and resources.
That includes Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz counties.
This comes after Newsome announced the state government has mobilized resources.
Jan. 8, 2023
5:30 p.m.
Several Sonoma Co. schools will remain closed due to severe weather
As of Sunday night, some Sonoma County schools will remain closed on Monday due to severe weather. Here’s a list.
2:45 p.m.
Gov. Newsom discusses statewide efforts on flood safety amid severe winter storms
In a press conference, Governor Gavin Newsom and state, local and federal officials provided updates on the ongoing severe winter storms impacting California. The Governor highlighted flood preparations and discuss statewide efforts around flood safety.
He says the state government has mobilized resources to respond to flooding, power outages and major disasters.
Gov. Newsom is urging the public to use common sense and avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations.
“Just a foot of water and your car is floating. Half a foot of water and you’re off your feet. Half a foot of water you’re losing control of your vehicle. We’re seeing people go around these detours. because they don’t see any obstacles. they think everything is fine. putting their lives at risk and putting first responders lives at risk.
The California National Guard has mobilized troops and has four rescue helicopters on standby- including one here in the Bay Area.
Ambulance strike teams have also been activated around the state.
Drivers are being asked to postpone travel, if possible.
11:45 a.m.
A High Wind Warning issued for the entire Bay Area starting tonight through Monday morning
A High Wind Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the entire Bay Area starting at 8 p.m. tonight lasting through tomorrow morning, ABC7 meteorologist Drew Tuma tweeted on Sunday. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph around the Bay shoreline with 80 mph gusts possible along the coast and in our hills. Expect more trees down and power outages.
The National Weather Service says south winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected in the valley locations. 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph above 1000 feet.
Local gusts to around 80 mph along the coast and highest peaks.
The High Wind Warning is issued for Marin Coastal Range, Sonoma Coastal Range, North Bay Interior Mountains, Coastal North Bay, Including Point Reyes National Seashore and North Bay Interior Valleys.
The NWS says damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
9:30 a.m.
Flood Warning issued for Guadalupe River in Santa Clara County on Monday
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Guadalupe River in Santa Clara County above the Almaden Expressway on Monday.
“The next in a series of strong storms will move into the area tonight into Monday. Excessive rainfall will lead to increasing flooding concerns through the day on Monday as the heaviest rain is expected to fall between the hours of 4 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday,” the NWS wrote.
8:30 a.m.
Muir Woods closed Sunday as park officials asses wind damage
Park officials say Muir Woods in Mill Valley will be closed on Sunday as they will assess the park from high wind damage. They said all parking reservations will be automatically canceled and refunded.
Bay City News contributed to article
Watch the latest AccuWeather forecast and take a look at recent weather stories and videos.
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Oil jumps 3% on demand optimism as China borders reopen
LONDON, Jan 9 (Reuters) – Oil extended gains on Monday, rising more than 3% after China’s move to reopen its borders boosted the outlook for fuel demand and overshadowed global recession concerns.
The rally was part of a wider boost for risk sentiment supported by both the reopening of the world’s biggest crude importer and hopes for less-aggressive increases to U.S. interest rates, with equities rising and the dollar weakening.
Brent crude was up $2.38, or 3.03%, at $80.95 a barrel by 1312 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $2.36, or 3.2%, to $76.13.
“If recession is avoided, global oil demand and demand growth will remain resilient,” said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM, adding that developments in China were the main reason for Monday’s gains.
“The gradual reopening of the Chinese economy will provide an additional and immeasurable layer of price support,” he said.
The rally followed a drop last week of more than 8% for both oil benchmarks, their biggest weekly declines at the start of a year since 2016.
As part of a “new phase” in the fight against COVID-19, China opened its borders over the weekend for the first time in three years. Domestically, about 2 billion trips are expected during the Lunar New Year season, nearly double last year’s and 70% of 2019 levels, Beijing says.
In oil-specific developments, China issued a second batch of 2023 crude import quotas, according to sources and documents reviewed by Reuters, raising the total for this year by 20% from the same time last year.
Despite Monday’s oil rebound, there is still concern that the massive flow of Chinese travellers could cause another surge in COVID infections while broader economic concerns also linger.
Those concerns are reflected in oil’s market structure. Both the near-term Brent and U.S. crude contracts are trading at a discount to the next month, a structure known as contango, which typically indicates bearish sentiment. ,
Reporting by Alex Lawler
Additional reporting by Florence Tan and Jeslyn Lerh
Editing by David Goodman
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Live updates: China confirms Hong Kong crossing will reopen on January 8
The Australian government said on Thursday it would spend more than A$1bn (US$680mn) on advanced missile defences, including the US-made Himars system that has proved successful in defending Ukraine from Russian invasion.
The Himars package, which includes launchers, missiles and training rockets, will provide the Australian army with a “significant capability boost”, said Richard Marles, the country’s defence minister.
CEA, an Australian company, will provide a radar system to be integrated with the Himars launchers, he added.
The US state department said in May that it had approved the sale of Lockheed Martin’s M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers and related equipment for an estimated US$385mn.
The system is expected to be deployed in Australia in 2026-2027.
“In the current strategic environment, it’s important the Australian Defence Force is equipped with high-end, targeted military capabilities,” Marles said.
The Himars announcement comes a day after Canberra signed a deal with Norwegian group Kongsberg to supply naval missiles for Australian destroyers and frigates from 2024.
Australia in recent years has taken a more high-profile defence posture, with the previous conservative government increasing military spending and signing a trilateral security pact with the US and UK in 2021.
Last month, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said after a meeting with Marles that Washington would “deepen our defence co-operation” with Canberra.
Austin said the US plans to deploy more fighters, bombers and other assets in Australia in the face of “dangerous and coercive” Chinese actions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hong Kong will re-open China border as COVID surges
SHANGHAI, Dec 24 (Reuters) – China, grappling with a new wave of COVID-19 infections, took another step towards loosening its pandemic-related restrictions on Saturday when Hong Kong’s leader announced it would aim to re-open its borders with the mainland by mid-January.
Speaking at a news conference upon returning from Beijing, Hong Kong Chief executive John Lee said authorities would aim to “gradually, orderly, and fully” re-open all entry points between the two sides, and coordinate with the government of nearby Shenzhen to manage the flow of people.
At present, individuals hoping to enter the mainland through Hong Kong can only do so through the city’s airport or two checkpoints – Shenzhen Bay or the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge.
Entrants into the mainland must also undergo a period of hotel quarantine before they can move about freely.
Hong Kong and Beijing shut their borders in early 2020 as COVID first surfaced and they have remained closed since then, as China has capped inbound travellers as part of its strict “zero-COVID” policy.
Beijing loosened China’s domestic zero-COVID restrictions earlier this month, dropping mandatory testing requirements and travel restrictions.
While many have welcomed the easing, families and the health system were unprepared for the resulting surge of infections. Hospitals are scrambling for beds and blood, pharmacies for drugs and authorities are racing to build clinics.
COVID CHRISTMAS
In advance of Christmas, Shanghai authorities urged residents to stay at home this weekend to curb the virus’s spread. The holiday is not traditionally celebrated in China, but it is common for young couples and some families to spend the holiday together.
Despite those warnings, an annual Christmas market held at the Bund, a commercial area, was packed with attendees.
“My friends are basically all positive, and all have basically recovered,” said Liu Yang, 23, an IT worker attending the market.
“We wanted to take advantage of Christmas, and it’s the weekend, we wanted to walk around and enjoy the air, so we came here.”
Still, the spread of Omicron is dampening festivities for other retailers and eateries.
Many Shanghai restaurants have cancelled Christmas parties normally held for regulars, while hotels have capped reservations due to staff shortages, said Jacqueline Mocatta, who works in the hospitality industry.
“There’s only a certain amount of customers we can accept given our manpower, with a majority of team members who are unwell at the moment,” she said.
SCEPTICISM ABOUT OFFICIAL DATA
Infections in China are likely more than a million a day with deaths at more than 5,000 a day, British-based health data firm Airfinity said this week, describing the estimates as a “stark contrast” to official data.
China’s national health authority on Saturday reported 4,128 daily symptomatic COVID-19 infections, and no deaths for a fourth consecutive day.
Bloomberg News reported on Friday that nearly 37 million people may have been infected with COVID on a single day this past week, citing estimates from the government’s top health authority. Authorities did not comment on the report.
The emergency hotline in Taiyuan in the northern province of Shanxi was receiving over 4,000 calls a day, a local media outlet said on Saturday.
Taiyuan authorities urged residents to call the number only for medical emergencies, saying guidance about COVID “does not fall within the scope of the hotline.”
A health official in Qingdao said the port city was seeing roughly 500,000 daily infections, media reported on Friday. In the southern city of Dongguan, a major manufacturing hub, daily infections are reaching 250,000-300,000, local authorities told domestic media.
The surge has strained the medical sector, in particular blood repositories, as a lack of donors has caused reserves to dwindle.
On Saturday, China’s National Health Commission said in a statement that individuals who suffered mild or ordinary COVID-19 symptoms can safely donate blood a few days after their symptoms subside.
In Wuhan, the central city where COVID emerged three years ago, media reported on Friday that the local blood repository had just 4,000 units, enough to last two days. The repository called on people to “roll up their sleeves and donate blood.”
Reporting by Josh Horwitz and Jing Bian in Shanghai; additional reporting by Xihao Jiang in Shanghai; Editing by William Mallard and Philippa Fletcher
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
FBI not expected to reopen investigation into Brad Pitt following Angelina Jolie claims
Back in 2016, Angelina Jolie claimed to the FBI that her ex-husband Brad Pitt injured her after drunkenly pushing her on board a private jet.
The incident allegedly left their six children upset, but the FBI are reportedly not willing to reopen investigation on the matter.
“The statute of limitations is way gone and they have seen all the information at hand,” a source told Page Six.
“There is nothing new here. At the time they considered all of Angelina’s allegations and didn’t bring any charges.
“The FBI investigated the incident thoroughly, there is zero chance of them reopening the case. This is all a concerted effort to smear Brad.
“Angelina’s claims were raised in at least two different legal contexts: the incident on the plane and then again during a lengthy custody trial. In one case, there were no charges brought and in another, Brad was granted 50/50 custody.”
The two actors are divorced, but there is still a custody dispute over their minor children: Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne and Knox.
“This is six-year-old stuff that Angelina presented in the custody hearing,” Pitt’s friend told Page Six.
“This is a six-year long campaign by Angelina to discredit Brad.
“This is really just Angelina’s version of events. This is what she claims happened.
“These claims were raised in the custody hearing and the judge obviously didn’t believe her, otherwise Brad would never have been given joint custody.”
Ukraine’s ports to reopen under deal to be signed Friday, Turkey says
July 22 (Reuters) – Russia and Ukraine will sign a deal on Friday to reopen Ukraine’s Black Sea ports to grain exports, Turkey said, raising hopes that an international food crisis caused by Russia’s invasion could be eased.
Ukraine and Russia, both among the world’s biggest exporters of food, did not immediately confirm Thursday’s announcement by the office of the Turkish presidency. But in a late night video address Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hinted his country’s Black Sea ports could soon be unblocked.
The blockade by Russia’s Black Sea fleet has reduced supplies to markets around the world and sent grain prices soaring since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into neighbouring Ukraine on Feb. 24.
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Full details of the agreement were not immediately released. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was going to Turkey, a U.N. spokesperson said. The agreement was due to be signed on Friday at 1330 GMT, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s office said. read more
Zelenskiy, whose address mainly focused on Ukrainian forces’ potential to make gains on the battlefield, said: “And tomorrow we also expect news for our state from Turkey – regarding the unblocking of our ports.”
SANCTIONS
Moscow has denied responsibility for worsening the food crisis, blaming instead a chilling effect from Western sanctions for slowing its own food and fertiliser exports and Ukraine for mining its Black Sea ports.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Washington would focus on holding Moscow accountable for carrying out the agreement.
The United Nations and Turkey have been working for two months to broker what Guterres called a “package” deal – to resume Ukraine’s Black Sea grain exports and facilitate Russian grain and fertiliser shipments.
Russia on Thursday said the latest round of European Union sanctions would have “devastating consequences” for security and parts of the global economy.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a statement that the 27-nation bloc proposed to ease some earlier sanctions in a bid to safeguard global food security, and Moscow hoped this would create conditions for the unhindered export of grain and fertilisers.
BATTLEFIELD
Zelenskiy met senior commanders on Thursday to discuss weapons supplies and intensifying attacks on Russians. read more
“(We) agreed that our forces have the strong potential to advance on the battlefield and inflict significant new losses on the occupiers,” Zelenskiy said in his video address.
Ukraine has accused Russia of stepping up missile strikes on cities in recent weeks to terrorise its population. Moscow denies attacking civilians and says all its targets are military.
Kyiv hopes that Western weapons, especially longer-range missiles such as U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) will allow it to counterattack and recapture territory lost in the invasion.
The main frontlines have been largely frozen since Russian forces seized the last two Ukrainian-held cities in eastern Luhansk province in battles in late June and early July. Russian forces are also focused on neighbouring Donetsk province.
Russia aims to fully capture all of Donetsk and Luhansk on behalf of its separatist proxies.
It claimed control of the southern port city of Mariupol two months ago after a brutal battle that killed thousands and forced hundreds of thousands to flee.
Those who stayed behind now face a new battle: how to survive without functioning water or sewage supplies in the city where about 90% of buildings were destroyed, and where rubbish and human remains rot in the rubble under the summer heat.
“You start a fire, you cook food, breakfast for the children,” one resident told Reuters. “In the afternoon you go find some work or get your dry ration to feed the children dinner. It’s Groundhog Day, as they say: you wake up and it’s always the same.”
Russia called its invasion a “special military operation” to rid Ukraine of fascists, an assertion the Ukrainian government and its Western allies said was a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war.
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Reporting by Reuters bureaux; writing by Grant McCool; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Stephen Coates
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Yellowstone National Park south loop to reopen Wednesday, but only some visitors will be allowed in each day
The park — which spans parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho — and many surrounding towns have been inundated with record rainfall and flooding since last weekend, prompting officials to close all entrances into Yellowstone.
“At 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, Yellowstone National Park will begin allowing visitors to access the south loop of the park,” the park said in a statement. “The south loop is accessed from the East (Cody), West (West Yellowstone), and South (Grand Teton/Jackson). Areas accessible include Madison, Old Faithful, Grant Village, Lake Village, Canyon Village and Norris.”
To make sure the south loop doesn’t get overwhelmed by visitors, the park said it will use an alternating license plate system:
- Vehicles with license plates ending with an odd number can visit on odd days of the month
- Vehicles with license plates ending with an even number, including zero, can enter on even days of the month.
While the north loop is closed, “park staff have engaged over 1,000 business owners, park partners, commercial operators and residents in surrounding gateway communities to determine how to manage summer visitation,” Yellowstone officials said.
Visitors should monitor Yellowstone’s website and social media for more updates, the park said.
In a three-day period last week, Yellowstone National Park received about two to three times the typical rainfall for the whole month of June.
And precipitation this month has already been more than 400% of the average across northwestern Wyoming and southern Montana, according to the National Weather Service.
At one point, the Yellowstone River swelled to its highest level in more than 100 years, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Yellowstone Park flooding: Parts may reopen to tourists on Monday, but flooding has been a disaster for neighboring towns
The park’s northern region, which bore the brunt of the flood damage, is expected to be closed for a “substantial length of time,” which will likely go through the end of the season, the park said in a release Tuesday.
But while the southern loop reopening may provide relief to some tourism industry workers, those bordering the northern entrance are still left to wait.
In the south Montana city of Gardiner, which acts as a gateway into Yellowstone’s northern entrance, hotel owners are already feeling the impact.
“There’s nobody here,” Keri Huesing, owner of Yellowstone Gateway Inn, told CNN. “We were booked solid for a year.”
Now, she says, all but one of her visitors are gone, following the flooding, and one neighboring hotel has shut down completely and sent its employees home.
“It’s a Yellowstone town, and it lives and dies by tourism,” Park County Commissioner Bill Berg said of Gardiner.
In Cody, which lies east of the park, tourism industry workers were eager for answers from Sholly on the southern loop reopening, the Casper Star-Tribune reported. Sholly hopes gateway communities and park staff can determine how to sustain local businesses without attracting more visitors than the park can host, the paper reported.
The dangerous flooding fueled by heavy rainfall and snowmelt began to inundate the park and several surrounding communities Monday, overtaking essential roadways and bridges, and making it dangerous or impossible for some people to evacuate.
As some communities became completely surrounded by water, at times without power or drinking water, search and rescue teams worked to evacuate residents. The Montana National Guard this week carried out 87 rescues by helicopter, it said Wednesday on Facebook.
In Montana’s Park County, which includes Gardiner, water has been receding, and access to the communities that had been surrounded by floodwater has been restored for emergency vehicles at a minimum, Greg Coleman, the county’s emergency services manager, said Wednesday morning.
Park temporarily closed as locals try to recover
All five entrances to Yellowstone will remain closed through at least the weekend, the park said in a release Tuesday, and the northern roads of the park will likely be closed for an extended period due to “severely damaged, impacted infrastructure.”
The battering floodwaters wiped away entire segments of paved road near the northern entrance, downed trees and triggered multiple mudslides.
Communities surrounding Yellowstone are also reeling from the catastrophic damage. Quickly moving waters compromised several roads and bridges, submerged cars, and even swept away homes as the underlying foundations became completely worn away.
In Park County, at least two homes collapsed into the intruding Yellowstone River early this week, and numerous homes and businesses were flooded, said Coleman, the county emergency official.
Video from witnesses showed one building in Gardiner collapsing into the river on Monday. Gardiner was isolated by water Monday and into Tuesday as flooding rendered roads and bridges impassable.
Aerial video captured by CNN shows one Montana home hanging precariously over the edge of a severely eroded embankment. Photos of the aftermath in the city of Red Lodge, Montana, on Tuesday, show several streets piled with rocks and debris as water still runs over the sidewalks.
Region braces for more potential flooding
The record flooding was caused by a combination of heavy rainfall and snowmelt from high elevations over the weekend in the Beartooth and Absaroka mountain ranges, which stretch across the Montana-Wyoming state line.
The level of runoff is comparable to the region receiving two to three times a normal June’s precipitation in only three days, according to CNN meteorologists.
A flood wave moved east Tuesday and Wednesday along the Yellowstone River, the National Weather Service said, leading to reports of major flooding in Billings, which is about a 175-mile drive east of Gardiner. By Tuesday afternoon, the river at Billings had surged well above its previous record of 15 feet, according to the weather service.
The flooding prompted city officials to shut down the city water plant late Tuesday night, the city’s public works department said.
The plant resumed operations at a low level Wednesday afternoon, and by Thursday morning it was working at full capacity, city officials said.
Even as water levels began to recede in areas on Tuesday and Wednesday, park officials and residents in the region are bracing for the possibility of more flooding in the coming days.
More snow could soon melt in the mountains of Wyoming and Montana, and that, coupled with more rain this weekend, could cause river levels to rise again, the National Weather Service’s office in Billings said.
Warm air is expected to move over the mountains Thursday night, keeping the low temperatures above freezing. This, along with plenty of sunshine during the day, should get snow melting. “Temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s in the high country both Friday and Saturday afternoon,” the weather service said.
“Expect a few days of melting of what is still a substantial snowpack in the mountains.”
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to hit the area Saturday night and Sunday.
The weather service’s latest river forecasts predict substantial rises due to the melt. Still, the levels are predicted to be well under flood stage, because the rainfall amounts look very light. River projections show this new rise in water peaking over the weekend around Yellowstone and in Billings on Monday.
“By the time slightly more substantial precipitation arrives Sunday night into Monday, temperatures drop into the 30s, and snow is probable above 8,500 feet Sunday night,” the weather service said.
“That said, those with interests near waterways in the western foothills should pay attention to the forecasts through the weekend in case the forecast changes significantly,” the service added.
The intense rainfall and rapid snow melt already experienced by the park and nearby communities are consistent with projections laid out in a climate assessment report released last year from scientists with the US Geological Survey, Montana State University and the University of Wyoming.
The climate crisis is already driving more annual precipitation and runoff from melting snowpack in the Greater Yellowstone Area, and the trend will continue in the coming years, the report said.
CNN’s Judson Jones, Nick Watt, Chris Boyette, Julia Jones, Sara Smart, Maegan Vazquez, Paradise Afshahar and Rachel Ramirez contributed to this report.
Goodbye Golden Arches: rebranded McDonald’s to reopen in Russia
June 10 (Reuters) – Sunday marks a new dawn for Russia’s fast-food lovers as former McDonald’s Corp (MCD.N) restaurants reopen under new branding and ownership, more than three decades after the arrival of the hugely popular Western fast food chain.
The relaunch will begin on Russia Day, a patriotic holiday celebrating the country’s independence, at the same flagship location in Moscow’s Pushkin Square where McDonald’s first opened in Russia in January 1990.
In the early 1990s, as the Soviet Union crumbled, McDonald’s came to embody a thawing of Cold War tensions and was a vehicle for millions of Russians to sample American food and culture. The brand’s exit is now a powerful symbol of how Russia and the West are once again turning their backs on each other.
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McDonald’s last month said it was selling its restaurants in Russia to one of its local licensees, Alexander Govor. The deal marked one of the most high-profile business departures since Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. read more
McDonald’s iconic ‘Golden Arches’ have been taken down at sites in Moscow and St Petersburg, where they will make way for a new logo comprising two fries and a hamburger patty against a green background. The reopening will initially cover 15 locations in Moscow and the surrounding region.
The new chain’s name remains a closely guarded secret. A change in the name of the McDonald’s app on Friday to ‘My Burger’ generated some online excitement, but the chain’s press team said this was only temporary, the RBC daily reported.
A motto on the app’s home page read: “Some things are changing, but stable work is here to stay.”
Russian media, citing leaked images of the new menu, have reported the renaming of dishes such as the Filet-O-Fish to ‘Fish Burger’ and Chicken McNuggets to simply ‘Nuggets’. Reuters could not verify the changes.
HEADWINDS
Govor has said he plans to expand the new brand to 1,000 locations across the country and reopen all the chain’s restaurants within two months. But there may be some headwinds.
It takes decades to build a brand, said Peter Gabrielsson, Professor of International Marketing at Finland’s University of Vaasa, and the new launch is crucial for the brand’s future success.
“Opening day is important because it is the first time consumers can really feel and touch and see the brand and what it stands for,” he said. “It’s important what the reaction will be and obviously people will be comparing it to McDonald’s.”
McDonald’s, the world’s largest burger chain, had owned 84% of its nearly 850 restaurants across Russia and it took a charge of up to $1.4 billion following the sale to Govor, whose GiD LLC had previously run 25 restaurants.
Oleg Paroev of McDonald’s Russia has said other franchisees would have the option of working under the new brand, but the traditional McDonald’s brand will leave the country. McDonald’s has said it will retain its trademarks.
McDonald’s last year generated about 9%, or $2 billion, of its revenue from Russia and Ukraine. McDonald’s has the right to buy its Russia restaurants back within 15 years, but many terms of the sale to Govor remain unclear.
The TASS news agency said on Wednesday McDonald’s would stay open as usual at airports and train stations in Moscow and St Petersburg until 2023, quoting a source close to Rosinter Restaurants (ROST.MM), another franchisee.
“Rosinter has a unique agreement under which the American corporation cannot take the franchise away. They can operate in peace,” TASS quoted the source as saying.
Rosinter declined to comment. McDonald’s did not immediately respond.
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Reporting by Reuters
Editing by Matt Scuffham and Gareth Jones
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