SANTA ROSA, CA — Strong winds in Santa Rosa on Sunday led to power failures and dangerous conditions due to tree branches falling, including one injury and one fatality, according to the city.
Beginning at about 3 a.m., first responders attended to multiple wind-related events across the city as gusts exceeding 40 mph were recorded.
A man was struck by a falling tree branch in the 800 block of Howard Street, causing major injuries. He was transported to a local hospital and later died, the city said.
A 23-year-old woman was also struck by a branch in the 300 block of Steele Lane which caused major injuries. She is being treated at a hospital.
According to the city, crews responded throughout the day to more than 15 wind-related incidents, including downed trees, downed power lines, reports of blown transformers, and a tree falling onto a vehicle.
Numerous power outages were also reported throughout Santa Rosa.
In addition to the wind-related calls, Santa Rosa Fire Department crews responded to routine service calls, including medical emergencies, small fires, and requests for assistance to neighboring agencies through automatic and mutual aid agreements, the city said.
As of 10 p.m., at least 500 people remained without power on the outskirts of Santa Rosa, according to PG&E.
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