The State - News from Feb. 4, 1986

Fierce winds accompanied by strong rains, hail and lightning cut a three-mile path of destruction through Oakland, knocking down hundreds of power lines, toppling trees, wrecking roofs and chimneys and blowing over a billboard. No serious injuries were reported, but more than 38,000 customers lost power in Oakland, Pinole, Rodeo, San Pablo, Dublin, Sonoma and Ukiah and parts of San Jose. Power outages began early in the morning, but by midday most of the power was restored, said Harry Arnott of Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Several Oakland residents reported funnel clouds or tornadoes, but the National Weather Service said the winds probably were strong down-bursts of wind from a thunderstorm. Forecasters said the weather system would move through the state quickly, bringing only a slight chance of measurable rain to the Los Angeles area. Mostly sunny skies are expected in the Los Angeles area by this afternoon.