Strong Winds Expected To Hit Bay Area

Hold on to your hat — it could get pretty windy in Berkeley over the next couple of days.

The National Weather Service has warned of high-speed winds in the Bay Area late Wednesday through Thursday, caused by a "dry weather system" moving into Nevada Wednesday and Southern California by Thursday morning.

While winds will be stronger at higher elevations, "wind gusts up to 50 mph are likely all the way down to near sea level in the San Francisco Bay Area," the agency said Tuesday.

Airlines are bracing for more delays due to the strong winds, after fog put flights 70 minutes behind Tuesday evening. Passengers are urged to check with their carriers before departing for the airport, San Francisco Airport spokeswoman Nancy Parker said. As conditions may get more severe, air traffic will be slowed down to ensure safety.

For fallen trees or similar problems, Berkeley residents can call the city's Public Works Department at (510) 981-6620 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday or the Berkeley Police Department at (510) 981-5900 after hours. 

To report a power outage, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002. For other problems with electricity or gas, call PG&E's Residential Customer Service Center at 1-800-743-5000.

People who encounter a downed power line should assume it is live, keep a safe distance away, and call 911 and PG&E.

Tree fallen in your yard? Branches blocking the street? Wind whipping up a storm in your neighborhood? Snap a picture and upload it by clicking "add photos & video" below.