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Powerful Storm Wreaks Havoc On Roads, Downs Trees, Power Lines, Prompts Flood Watch

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The Bay Area was soaked Saturday by the biggest storm in weeks. Flood watches and wind advisories were in effect through midnight.

The heavy rain made a mess of the roads, and caused slick and windy conditions on freeways and bridges.

The Great Highway in San Francisco was closed Saturday evening due to flooding. The Department of Public Works tweeted a traffic alert around 7:30 p.m.

A car flipped over on southbound 680 near Crow Canyon Road, in San Ramon.

Police believe the wet weather may have caused a fatal crash earlier in San Ramon. Police said a driver lost control on Bollinger Canyon Road and went off the road hitting several trees. The driver died at the scene.

crash san ramon
San Ramon police at the scene of a fatal crash on Bollinger Canyon Road. (CBS)

There were reports of toppled trees and downed power lines, as well.

In San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood a tree fell onto 4 parked cars on Noe Street. In the Richmond District at least 5 trees toppled, one crashing a light pole.

A tree came down in San Ramon blocking the front door of the police station there.

In Novato, heavy rain caused a large tree to fall onto a mail truck. The driver was inside but fortunately, not hurt.

Crews had to clear a fallen tree on Moraga Road, in Lafayette. That road was closed for two hours.

In Orinda, the wind downed power lines forcing the closure of Lost Valley Drive and Lost Valley Court.

Meanwhile, San Francisco opened shelters at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and the County Fair building in Golden Gate park so people could come in from the wet and the cold. Hopefully they will remain open because forecasters say another storm front will be passing through the Bay Area Sunday night.

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