#storm-damage

#storm-damage

A blown transformer appears to be to blame for the partial closure of the Caldecott Tunnel, which could extend into the weekend, Caltrans officials said Friday. The mechanical issue which was caused by a string of powerful storms that slammed into the Bay Area this week shut down bores 1 and 3 of the Caldecott Tunnel on Wednesday evening, causing delays on Highway 24, a key connector between Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

About 16,500 customers were affected by a power outage caused by a Pacific Gas & Electric substation in Saratoga on Wednesday morning. A utility company spokeswoman said they received reports of a fire at the substation around 8:25 a.m. Wednesday. Santa Clara County Fire personnel responded to make sure surrounding community and PG&E employees were safe. The fire was isolated to a certain area of the substation and ended up extinguishing by itself, so no fire suppression efforts occurred.

Even in picturesque California, few landscapes are as stunning - or as fragile - as Big Sur. The constant storms and seismic activity that forged its dramatic cliffs and canyons also make its infrastructure a nightmare to maintain. The primary road through the region, world-famous Highway 1, which clings to cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean in postcard worthy fashion, is almost constantly closed by landslides, isolating communities and stranding weary travelers.

Incline Village's fireworks show is canceled due to storm damage that affected the fireworks barge, as confirmed by the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. The cancellation is part of several shows being called off this year.

The worst-hit city was Rovinj, where trees were torn down, roads blocked, and dozens of yachts stranded. Emergency crews worked through the night, with over 100 callouts reported in 24 hours.

"Given the ferocity of recent storms and the damage that extreme weather can inflict on people's homes and property, it is no surprise that storms now account for nearly one in five of home insurance claims."