San Francisco: Citywide Flash Floods Ravage City Amid Record-Breaking RainfallSan Francisco: Citywide Flash Floods Ravage City Amid Record-Breaking Rainfall San Francisco was brought to a standstill on Thursday as relentless downpours unleashed record-breaking rainfall, triggering widespread flash floods that inundated streets, overwhelmed infrastructure, and disrupted life throughout the city. According to the National Weather Service, San Francisco received over 5 inches of rain within 24 hours, breaking the city’s previous daily rainfall record set in 1998. The torrential downpour led to scenes of chaos and devastation across the city. Motorists found themselves stranded on flooded roadways, as major thoroughfares such as Market Street and Van Ness Avenue became impassable. The California Highway Patrol closed multiple sections of the Bay Bridge and other major highways due to the hazardous conditions. Neighborhoods in low-lying areas were particularly hard hit. In the Mission District, cars were submerged up to their windows, while residents had to wade through waist-deep floodwaters to reach safety. In Bernal Heights, mudslides damaged homes and threatened to undermine foundations. The city’s public transportation system was also severely impacted. Muni buses and trains were suspended due to flooded tracks and roadways. BART stations were closed, leaving commuters stranded and the city’s public transportation network in disarray. Emergency responders were stretched thin as they responded to numerous calls for assistance. Firefighters rescued people from flooded vehicles, while police evacuated residents from inundated homes. The city’s Emergency Operations Center activated its highest level of response as the situation continued to deteriorate. The record-breaking rainfall not only caused widespread damage but also raised concerns about the city’s aging infrastructure. Many of San Francisco’s sewer and drainage systems were overwhelmed, leading to raw sewage spilling into the streets in some areas. As the rain subsided on Friday, city crews began the arduous task of cleaning up the devastation. Roads were cleared of debris, damaged buildings were assessed, and power outages were restored. However, the full extent of the flood damage may not be known for days or even weeks. San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared a local emergency in response to the flooding, unlocking additional resources to assist with the recovery effort. The American Red Cross also established shelters for displaced residents. The citywide flash floods serve as a sobering reminder of the potential impact of extreme weather events on urban environments. As climate change continues to intensify storms and rainfall patterns, San Francisco and other cities must invest in resilient infrastructure and emergency response capabilities to mitigate the risks posed by future flooding disasters.