Donner und Blitzen

There was a little excitement here yesterday for us weather freaks who are starved for viable thunderstorms. As so often happens during the fall when tropical storms off the west coast of Mexico send upper level moisture streaming north, we had widespread thunderstorms as a result. Local news reporters either just fell of the turnip truck or they have very short memories as they were calling this unusual. Yes, thunderstorms right along the coast are rare but no, having them occur at this time of year is not unusual. Anyway, for a brief time I heard the sound of thunder instead of screaming fire trucks and ambulances. I only wish I had an apartment with a view so I could have watched the heavenly light show. Of course, they can get too close as happened one time in rural southern Georgia when the storm was just above the house. Never had I heard thunder of such intensity as in that storm nor seen so much lightning up close. That was a bit frightening to say the least. Fortunately it did not last long.
Today the Bay Area is quiet, sunny, and mild.