Berkeley kicked off 2023 with a wet winter storm of unprecedented proportion. The city’s streams have grown many times in size, water has been overflowing out of most gutters, and thunder and lightning have become a part of the average school day. The recent storm has been called a “bomb cyclone” or an “atmospheric river”. It is one of the most impactful weather events the area has seen in recent years.
Mike Lukan, father of Berkeley High School student Andreas Lukan, had his apartment in San Francisco flooded. Their flooded apartment affected the whole family. Andreas Lukan was frustrated that he was unable to train while recovering from a surgery that has prevented him from playing soccer for BHS this season. The family also chose not to travel for fear of the dangers that the storm could bring.
However, in combination with the power outages caused by the storm and the inability for many to enjoy being outside, families found ways to entertain themselves indoors.
“After depriving us of electricity, the storm made for good family bonding time. We were all trapped inside together, playing board games by candlelight,” said BHS freshman Henry Williams.
The storm brought high winds, which in turn caused a lot of property damage. William’s family had a tree fall very near to their home near Tilden Regional Park.
BHS freshman and girls varsity soccer player Ali Forbush has had soccer games canceled due to power outages and has had to practice in heavy rain.
“Ending practice while you’re dripping wet, it’s not necessarily fun,” Forbush said.
She has also noticed the flooding has impacted places near to her. According to Forbush, Codornices Creek and Strawberry Creek have overflowed, causing the streets and the parks they run through, to flood. Trash has partially blocked many gutters and sewers, inhibiting drainage to the ocean and therefore causing more flooding.
Although the storm has been physically destructive and disruptive to daily life, many are thankful. Forbush welcomes any water to a state that has been in a drought for over a decade, despite the negative impacts it has had on her winter plans.