Skip to main content
Weather

Fallen Trees Across SF Snarl Evening Commute, Smash Parked Cars

Written by Liz LindqwisterUpdated at Mar. 21, 2023 • 6:39pmPublished Mar. 21, 2023 • 5:05pm
A massive tree fell in Lower Haight, crushing a car.| Courtesy Mohit Kohli

An aggressive storm Tuesday afternoon toppled trees citywide, including on heavily traveled arteries like Lombard Street.

One fell on a busy commercial corridor, located near the intersection of Fillmore and Haight streets. The tree appears to have taken down lights and power lines with it as it crushed a sedan.

A tree fell down onto a car in Lower Haight. | Courtesy Mohit Kohli

Mohit Kohli, who witnessed the tree fall, told The Standard the owner of the crushed vehicle was an employee at a nearby business who was just about to move his car when it fell.

Major storms ripped across the Bay Area on Tuesday, bringing 70 mph winds and causing damage throughout San Francisco. Numerous other fallen trees have snarled rush hour traffic, and power outages have affected hundreds throughout the Bay. The storms have delayed roughly 300 flights and canceled another 27 at SF International Airport.

Pedestrians walk along Haight Street after a massive tree fell. | Courtesy Mohit Kohli

The San Francisco Fire Department was contacted for comment.

Elsewhere, trees blocked most of Post Street between Polk and Leavenworth streets in the Tenderloin, the eastbound blocks of Lombard Street in the Marina District and Bryant Street between 16th and 17th streets in the Mission.

A downed tree closed the eastbound lanes of Lombard Street near Gough. | Maryann Thompson/The Standard
A fallen tree on Bryant Street between 16th and 17th Streets ripped down power lines and nearly smothered this car. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard

San Francisco's emergency system was overloaded with calls, leading to a plea to use 311 for anything non-life-threatening.

Liz Lindqwister can be reached at [email protected]


Over $250K Raised for San Francisco Cop Hit by Falling Tree

Over $250K Raised for San Francisco Cop Hit by Falling Tree


Dramatic ‘Before and After’ Photos Reveal How California Went From Drought to Deluge

Dramatic ‘Before and After’ Photos Reveal How California Went From Drought to Deluge


California’s ‘Water Bad Guy’ Almonds Could Be Out of Luck Despite Heavy Rains

California’s ‘Water Bad Guy’ Almonds Could Be Out of Luck Despite Heavy Rains


California’s Snowpack Has Never Been Bigger. See What It Looks Like

California’s Snowpack Has Never Been Bigger. See What It Looks Like


Salesforce East Falling Glass Concerns Force Downtown SF Road Closure

Salesforce East Falling Glass Concerns Force Downtown SF Road Closure


Stay on top of what’s happening in your city

SF’s most important stories, delivered straight to your inbox



By clicking Sign up you confirm you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy