Downtown workers and dwellers have a nasty commute on their hands tonight. In case the bomb threat against the Anti-Defamation League shutting down parts of Market wasn't enough, there's also a massive power outage across western SoMa, Civic Center, and parts of Hayes Valley and the Design District, which has knocked out a number of traffic lights.
According to PG&E, the outage began at 4:41pm, and its cause is unknown. The agency says that 2,353 customers are affected, and that power is expected to be restored by 7:30pm.
The outage caused chaos on the city's streets, and at least one citizen stepped up to direct traffic at an intersection:
I'm fairly sure power is out in all of SOMA. Shouldn't traffic lights have a backup system?
— Kaethe (@kaetheblue) February 28, 2017
Power is out at van ness and market! #SF #Traffic #PowerOutage pic.twitter.com/1hhF4ZPUML
— benny (@whoabenny) February 28, 2017
Hats off to this guy who stepped up to direct traffic at 9th and Mission after a power outage pic.twitter.com/fCbwultOrW
— Eric Fischer (@enf) February 28, 2017
ATTN: Traffic lights reported out on Market Street near Van Ness Ave. & Valencia St. Treat these intersections as a four-way stop.
— SFMTA (@sfmta_muni) February 28, 2017
It may have also been the cause of service disruptions on Muni's light-rail lines:
UPDATE: Due to ongoing #subwaysvc switch issue, expect continued #MuniMetro delays/crowds. #JChurch, #NJudah still run on surface only.
— SFMTA (@sfmta_muni) February 28, 2017
Got more info on the potential cause, or borne witness to the issues being caused by the outage? Text us info and photos at (415) 200-3233.
Update, 8:57pm: As predicted, the power came back on around 7:30pm, though a small group of about 35 customers near 10th and Folsom continue to be without power. PG&E estimates they will have power by 11pm.