Massive Outage Knocks Out Power, Traffic Lights Across SoMa, Civic Center, Hayes Valley [Updated]

Massive Outage Knocks Out Power, Traffic Lights Across SoMa, Civic Center, Hayes Valley [Updated]Image: Shutterstock
Allie Pape
Published on February 27, 2017

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:

It may have also been the cause of service disruptions on Muni's light-rail lines:

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.