Wind Whips Through Sonoma, Leaving a Trail of Trouble

A Night of Chaos

The windstorm that struck Sonoma County early Wednesday morning was no joke. Expected but disruptive, gusts up to 75 mph along the coast lived up to forecasts. The National Weather Service had warned of two rounds of windstorms, with the first causing the most damage.

By the time most were still in bed, the storm had already left its mark. Trees were down, power lines were out, and roads were blocked.

Power Outages and Blocked Roads

Pacific Gas & Electric reported over 7,000 customers without power, mostly in western and coastal areas. The storm began late Tuesday night, and by Wednesday morning, the damage was clear.

Reports of downed trees and power lines poured in before dawn. The California Highway Patrol noted power lines blocking Crane Canyon Road near Rohnert Park at around 2 a.m. By 3:30 a.m., more reports came in from across the county. Trees were down on Bloomfield Court, Roblar Road, and Lone Pine Road, among others. Even Highway 1 near Stewarts Point was blocked by a fallen tree.

Widespread Impact

The storm didn't spare neighboring counties. In Napa County, a rockslide partially blocked Silverado Trail, and multiple trees obstructed Spring Mountain Road. The storm served as a stark reminder of nature's power and how quickly it can disrupt daily life.

Focus on Safety and Cleanup

As the storm continues, the priority shifts to safety and cleanup. While wind was the main culprit, rain is expected to add to the mess. Patience and caution are key. The full extent of the damage remains unknown as the situation develops.