Western Research Team Builds Drought-Fighting Drone To Seed Rainclouds
California communities suffering from extreme drought could soon get help from an unlikely place -- unmanned aerial vehicles, a.k.a. drones.
California communities suffering from extreme drought could soon get help from an unlikely place -- unmanned aerial vehicles, a.k.a. drones.
New numbers show the percentage of the state in the exceptional drought category has dropped from just over 55 percent last week to 32 percent.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission reached an agreement Tuesday night with two San Mateo County cities and a San Jose-based water company that is expected to benefit 2.6 million Bay Area residents, SFPUC officials announced Wednesday.
If you're thinking, "It's never rained like this in December before", you are absolutely right. As of Wednesday night, this is the wettest start to a December in Bay Area history, with weather records dating back to before the Civil War.
Every media outlet does an end of year "top stories of 2014" so we figured why just list our editors' picks when we can show what YOU liked best?
The Bay Area is in the middle of a third straight wet week, but things will change dramatically this weekend, allowing the region to dry out for most of the rest of 2014.
The Bay Area has not yet dried out from the last powerful storm, but already a new soaker is moving in with the potential to drop close to two inches of rain in some location.
This week has gotten off to a rainy start with some areas receiving more than an inch—a nice addition to last week's heavy rain. Despite that, it may not be delivering exactly what California needs to get out of this drought.
Thursday's major storm that pounded the Bay Area will go down in the record books as one of the wettest days in the region in more than a decade.
It's being called #HellaStorm in typical NorCal lingo, and #Stormageddon, albeit sarcastically, but the storm mentioned as the potential "Storm of the Decade" delivered Thursday, flooding homes and businesses, plunging over 100,000 into darkness, delivering waves of nearly 30 feet to Mavericks, winds above 135 miles per hour in the Sierra, and rainfall of several inches. At the peak, 6.6 million Bay Area residents were under an emergency flash flood warning, and the Russian River is still forecast to rise 32 feet by Friday.
As promised, the San Francisco Bay area was smacked with an intense storm Thursday morning, prompting flood advisories downing trees delaying transit and cancelling classes and work for much of the Bay Area.
Rainfall amounts are expected to range from 5 to 7 inches for North Bay valleys with isolated amounts up to 10 inches in the higher elevations. The National Weather Service has issued several watches and Warnings. Here are the latest.
Tourists willing to brave the stormy weather in San Francisco Thursday won't get the chance to check "ride a cable car" off their San Francisco to-do list.
A Pacific storm heading toward the Bay Area could generate ten inches of rain, wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour, and treacherous conditions in the Sierra Nevada.
Despite the expected heavy rain from this week's upcoming storm, customers with the East Bay Municipal Utility District will see their water bills increase to cover costs for improving services associated to the state's ongoing drought.
While a major storm won't arrive for another day, officials with the National Weather Service said warmer ocean temperatures could make the storm stronger before it arrives.
The potential flooding is so severe, and so imminent that San Francisco public works officials are actually asking for the public's help clearing out clogged storm drains and other parts of the runoff system in advance of Thursday's deluge.
The National weather service has issued 15 warnings for the Bay Area, more than a day ahead of a powerful storefront expected to dump heavy rain on the region.
Sustained winds at or near hurricane strength in the highest elevations with gusts exceeding 100 miles per hour across the Sierra summit are forecast for Thursday, with Bay Area winds easily gusting past 50 miles per hour in urban areas and 70-80 miles per hour in the local mountains and hills in what could be the storm of the decade.
A report issued Monday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said natural variations — mostly a La Nina weather oscillation — were the primary drivers behind the drought that has now stretched to three years.
A new study that counted tree rings shows California's drought is the worst in 1,200 years. While offering historical perspective, one interpretation says it will take more than one year's rainfall to repair the damage done.
This week's storms have pushed the Bay Area well ahead of normal rainfall pace for this time of year and that trend will continue as we approach Christmas, according to national climate forecasts.
Heavy downpours took a parting shot Thursday at California, triggering flash floods that temporarily stranded more than three dozen people in their cars in inland Riverside County.
With all the rain we've been having, one would think it would be good thing for the imperiled salmon population. It would be if all that new fresh water wasn't so confusing. The salmon keep getting lost. Instead of migrating to their spawning ground, they wind up swimming up a ditch and ultimately into a death trap.
In San Mateo County, leaders have asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency over the home insurance crisis as homeowners scramble to find solutions.
While the Halloween holiday brings excitement, creativity, and happy delirium for many kids, it also generates an unsettling amount of plastic waste.
This election has been touted as one of the most crucial in American history. It's also has people stressed like never before, no matter where they stand politically.
The Valero Refining Co. has been fined the largest-ever penalty by Bay Area air quality regulators for a history of toxic chemical releases and other violations at its Benicia refinery dating back to 2003.
San Jose Police on Thursday said nine people have been indicted and seven arrested on charges related to organizing several sideshows that have happened in the city over the past four years.
In San Mateo County, leaders have asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency over the home insurance crisis as homeowners scramble to find solutions.
While the Halloween holiday brings excitement, creativity, and happy delirium for many kids, it also generates an unsettling amount of plastic waste.
This election has been touted as one of the most crucial in American history. It's also has people stressed like never before, no matter where they stand politically.
The Valero Refining Co. has been fined the largest-ever penalty by Bay Area air quality regulators for a history of toxic chemical releases and other violations at its Benicia refinery dating back to 2003.
San Jose Police on Thursday said nine people have been indicted and seven arrested on charges related to organizing several sideshows that have happened in the city over the past four years.
In San Mateo County, leaders have asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency over the home insurance crisis as homeowners scramble to find solutions.
Dozens of striking San Francisco hotel workers were arrested as hundreds demonstrated for higher wages and better benefits.
A suspicious death in the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco is being investigated as a possible homicide, police said Thursday.
A man died of his injuries after a shooting Wednesday evening in San Francisco's Tenderloin District, police said.
San Francisco's first established "entertainment zone" on Front St. will host its second free event on Halloween that kicks off Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m.
While the Halloween holiday brings excitement, creativity, and happy delirium for many kids, it also generates an unsettling amount of plastic waste.
This election has been touted as one of the most crucial in American history. It's also has people stressed like never before, no matter where they stand politically.
The Valero Refining Co. has been fined the largest-ever penalty by Bay Area air quality regulators for a history of toxic chemical releases and other violations at its Benicia refinery dating back to 2003.
District Attorney Pamela Price said the case against Radius Recycling, related to 2023's massive scrap metal fire in West Oakland, is moving along.
One East Bay family takes Halloween to a whole new level with a massive haunted house they build in their backyard.
San Jose Police on Thursday said nine people have been indicted and seven arrested on charges related to organizing several sideshows that have happened in the city over the past four years.
Authorities in Sunnyvale on Wednesday confirmed the recent arrest of an active-duty Marine Corps recruiter who allegedly sexually assaulted a teen girl he had met at the victim's school.
Bay Area residents can now savor the taste of authentic French baked goods, thanks to Croissante, a Santa Clara bakery that prioritizes quality over shortcuts.
South Bay residents and businesses are urged to be vigilant about standing water on their properties, as the invasive Aedes ageypti mosquito has been found in more locations despite eradication efforts.
Governor Gavin Newsom is weighing in on a Bay Area Congressional race that is expected to be a nail-biter come Election Day.
An annual report card on the Bay Area's local roads and streets released Thursday found no change overall in regional pavement conditions across the past several years, though some cities saw marked improvements.
A 3.3 magnitude earthquake struck in Sonoma County Thursday morning in a region frequented by quakes, according to the United States Geological Survey.
While the month of October has been warm and dry, water officials in Sonoma County said reservoirs are in good shape after the two previous wet winters.
Santa Rosa police arrested a 16-year-old high school boy after a gun was found in his school locker Wednesday morning.
Police arrested two suspects in a home invasion armed robbery at a Santa Rosa home, police said.
The San Francisco Giants have reportedly promoted the team's vice president of scouting, Zack Minasian, as the new general manager.
The A's will play at least the next three seasons in West Sacramento at the MiLB facility Sutter Health Park.
Trayce Jackson-Davis had 15 points and nine rebounds, Draymond Green scored 14 and dished out six assists, and the Golden State Warriors beat the New Orleans Pelicans for the second straight night with a 104-89 win.
It's the eighth World Series title in franchise history for the Boys in Blue, and their second in five years.
The San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Timothy Liljegren from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
San Jose Police on Thursday said nine people have been indicted and seven arrested on charges related to organizing several sideshows that have happened in the city over the past four years.
A suspicious death in the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco is being investigated as a possible homicide, police said Thursday.
A man died of his injuries after a shooting Wednesday evening in San Francisco's Tenderloin District, police said.
A United Airlines passenger attacked a man midflight, punching him repeatedly in the face until it was bloody, authorities said.
San Francisco police on Thursday announced an arrest in connection with a fatal stabbing in the city's Tenderloin neighborhood earlier this week.
Apple snapped out of a recent iPhone sales slump during its summertime quarter.
Reddit's stock leaps nearly 40% after the social media company reported a quarterly profit amid strong user growth.
A new security system installed in a San Jose shopping center promises to reduce crime in for small businesses.
Google is still thriving while the company navigates through a pivotal shift to artificial intelligence and battles regulators trying to topple its internet empire.
These are the Apple Intelligence features that are now available on compatible devices.
South Bay residents and businesses are urged to be vigilant about standing water on their properties, as the invasive Aedes ageypti mosquito has been found in more locations despite eradication efforts.
One week before Election Day and voters across the country were filling out their ballots. Along with that warm sense of civic pride, there may be another feeling: anxiety.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and one Santa Clara soccer player is working to raise money on and off the field to go toward a local health program.
Some pathogens that contaminate food are even showing up in the U.S. for the first time thanks to climate change.
A notice to Costco customers urges them not to consume some packages of salmon over concerns it could be contaminated with listeria.
This election has been touted as one of the most crucial in American history. It's also has people stressed like never before, no matter where they stand politically.
Owners of vacation homes in Northern California's South Lake Tahoe could face a significant tax increase if voters in the mountain resort town approve a measure on Tuesday's ballot that pits affordable housing against private property rights.
Billionaire Elon Musk's attorneys want a federal court to address a complaint from Philadelphia's District Attorney over Musk's super PAC's giveaway.
Former President Donald Trump said that his advisers deemed the line about protecting women "inappropriate."
Five candidates are vying in Tuesday's election to replace outgoing Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín, who is leaving office and currently running for a state Senate seat.
A jury in Santa Clara County on Wednesday convicted a Milpitas man of murder for killing his transgender partner in 2021, prosecutors said.
On Tuesday, the battle for LGBT rights took a new turn when the Pentagon announced that it was proactively changing the discharge status to "honorable" for hundreds of service members expelled for being gay during the "don't ask, don't tell" era.
John Ramos reports on the Pentagon announcing it will change the discharge status to "honorable" for hundreds expelled during "don't ask, don't tell" era.
An honorable discharge status unlocks access to critical benefits that some veterans may have been missing out on for decades.
In the heart of San Francisco's Castro District, Antonio Castellanos is redefining a beloved Mexican tradition with a bold new vision for representation.
San Francisco's first established "entertainment zone" on Front St. will host its second free event on Halloween that kicks off Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m.
A part of music and film history preserved by a group of Bay Area artists is in limbo, as building that has housed Arhoolie Records, Les Blank Films and Down Home Music for nearly half a century could soon be sold.
Acclaimed garage-punk band the Jackets return to the Bay Area for the first time since the pandemic Saturday, playing songs from their new album 'Intuition' at the Ivy Room with local favorites the Control Freaks.
On Halloween night Thursday, two Hitchcock films come to the big screen in San Francisco accompanied by live music at separate presentations sponsored by local cultural institutions.
Many of us wish we could go back in time to ask our grandparents questions about their life, their family, and what it was like growing up, but Filipino artist Kenneth Tan didn't need a time machine.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oakland Unified School District has seen an alarming spike in the number of unhoused students in the school system who deal with a host of challenges far beyond what most children face.
Meteorologist and CBS News Bay Area's resident pilot Lt. Jessica Burch got a treat during Fleet Week, taking to the skies with one of the Blue Angels.
A Bay Area man discovered his devastating loss left him with a new opportunity to rethink how he lives -- follow his journey in virtual reality, 360-degree video.
A groundbreaking medical study involving the UCSF Medical Center has shown some colorectal cancer patients can safely skip radiation treatment and enjoy a potentially higher quality of life.
Every day, San Francisco bar pilot Captain Zach Kellerman goes through what might just be the world's most dangerous commute.
CBS News Bay Area evening headlines for Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Watch full newscasts streamed at the CBS SF website or on the app.
Anne Makovec reports on some ways that parents can avoid contributing to the plastic waste from Halloween.
Itay Hod reports on how the presidential election is causing stress for local residents, regardless of which end of the political spectrum they occupy.
Kevin Ko reports on popular "ghost tours" that put a paranormal spin on San Francisco history.
Lauren Toms reports on DNA evidence related to the murder weapon taking center stage in the trial of Nima Momeni for fatally stabbing Cash App founder Bob Lee.
This week's Jefferson Award winner is a Berkeley woman who has promoted child literacy for four decades, as host of a community TV show encouraging young poets.
With hate crimes on the rise in the U.S., a pair of Oakland women have been equipping people with self-defense tools for free.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, what are two million photos worth? A history of Asian Americans in the Bay Area, for this week's Jefferson Award winner.
While stroke rehabilitation is often a difficult road, a South Bay couple is providing local patients some valuable support.
For nearly 50 years, a Vietnam veteran from San Francisco has served as a national champion for military veterans.
A Bay Area man who overcame tremendous obstacles to excel in school has made it his mission to gear up other students for success in the classroom and in life.
For Students Rising Above scholar Josh Collins it took moving across the country to realize the value of his Bay Area family.
Samir Hooker had to grow up fast after his stepfather was shot dead 12 years ago. Now he is watching over his mom and sister while attending UC Berkeley.
It's hard enough to graduate from one of the most prestigious schools in the country when you're the first in your family to go to college. Imagine doing that while you're also trying to protect your parents from being deported?
Some students who are the first in their families to go to college face the challenge of balancing a rigorous academic load while still working to help support their family back home.