A Severe Storm Leaves a Sacramento Woman’s Home in Ruins
Sacramento was hit by a severe storm on Sunday, leaving behind a trail of destruction and causing significant damage to homes and properties. Lupe Bernal, a resident of Sacramento, experienced the devastating impact firsthand when a large tree crashed through her home, leaving a gaping hole in the front wall. Thankfully, Bernal and her family were not present at the time of the incident, but the thought of her grandbaby potentially being harmed weighs heavily on her mind.
Bernal expressed her relief that her family was safe, stating, “The worst thing for me to think about, my grandbaby usually comes over. To think that she could have been here, she could have got hurt.” The timing of the incident was fortuitous, as Bernal was at the hospital dealing with another family tragedy. Despite the material losses and the estimated one-year timeline for repairs, Bernal remains optimistic, emphasizing that “material things come and go” and as long as her family is safe, she will be okay.
The storm wreaked havoc across Sacramento, with many homes and properties suffering from fallen trees due to the whipping winds. At its peak, nearly 170,000 SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) customers were left without power. Wind gusts reached speeds of up to 60 miles per hour in certain areas of the region. The combination of a rainy week and saturated soil created the perfect conditions for trees to uproot and limbs to come crashing down.
As of Monday, East Sacramento still reported significant power outages, and cleanup crews were working tirelessly to clear debris and restore electricity. However, intermittent light showers made yard cleaning a challenging task for many residents. The damage caused by fallen trees was not limited to Lupe Bernal’s home alone. In nearby Carmichael and Yuba City, two men tragically lost their lives due to fallen trees. Additionally, a tree pierced through the roof of a home in Vacaville, resembling a spear.
Despite the devastation, Bernal remains grateful for the support she has received during this trying time. She expressed her gratitude to the community members who came together to help her move into temporary housing and to Fair Oaks Arborist for their overnight efforts in removing the fallen tree from her property.
The storm serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for severe weather events. As Sacramento continues to recover from this destructive storm, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones.
