A series of intense winter storms is impacting the San Francisco Bay Area now and will continue through the weekend. As of Friday morning, damaging winds and heavy rain were battering the East Bay hills, and were predicted to continue into the afternoon. Wind gusts to 55 miles per hour were reported. High wind warnings are in effect. This morning's storm is creating transit and isolated flooding problems at Berkeley Lab, and employees on site are cautioned to be especially careful when traversing the roads and walkways.

Berkeley Lab Chief Operating Officer David McGraw issued a directive at 1 p.m. that, with supervisor approval, employees are encouraged to head home by 2:30 p.m., in the interest of their safety and that of their families. Traffic continues to be treacherous in all directions, and McGraw urges all departing staff to travel slowly and carefully when exiting. Officials continue to discourage people from leaving via the Grizzly Peak route, due to high winds, road debris and visibility.

Reported incidents to date include:

• Debris is accumulating at the main Blackberry gate, and the visitors' entrance lane was closed in order to mitigate a potential mudslide.
  
• Tree limbs are threatening to fall in several areas.
  
• A lower yard gate at Building 85 was hit by a falling tree and was temporarily dislodged from its tracks. Damage was minimal and quickly repaired.
  
• Debris covers all thoroughfares, roads and paths are slick, and drivers are urged not to depart the Lab via the Grizzly Peak route, due to dangerous winds and potential flooding.
• A backed-up storm drain has caused flooding in the lower floor of Building 65, and facilities personnel are working to clear the stoppage.
  
• Roof leakage on the third floor of Building 90 is threatening some office equipment. Lab facilities workers are addressing that issue.
  
• The walkway from the upper cafeteria parking lot leading to the Wells Fargo ATM machine was flooding, causing a serious slippage hazard for those attempting to use the machine.
• On Thursday afternoon, a tree limb in the parking lot next to Building 55 broke loose and smashed the windshield of the car parked under it. Employees are advised to avoid parking under trees, if possible.

Any employee or guest discovering a safety hazard due to weather damage should contact the Work Request Center at WSC@lbl.gov, or x6274 and report the situation. During evenings, weekends and non-work hours, call the Blackberry Gate at x4050.

Visit this site for updated information on road and access conditions at Berkeley Lab.

Go here for the latest weather service alerts and advisories.

The latest San Francisco Bay Area forecast can be found here.

Last updated January 4, 1 p.m.