Downed power line closes San Miguel Canyon Road

Friday’s storms caused a traffic nightmare for drivers heading north towards Santa Cruz and the Bay Area.

Closures like the one at San Miguel Canyon Road added hours to drivers’ commutes. We were right alongside them trying to get to Santa Cruz to cover the storm damage there, but had no luck.

The California Highway Patrol closed San Miguel Canyon Road due to a fallen power line. That wasn’t the only damage the storm caused on the busy roadway.

A tree hung over the road and was kept in place by the power lines it fell on.

Some taller vehicles had to maneuver into the opposite lane of traffic just to avoid it.

Many drivers spent hours on Highway 101 just to reach San Miguel Canyon Road, only to discover that it was closed.

“I’ve literally been sitting there for a couple of hours now and I need gas, so I got off the freeway to get gas and that gas station has no power so I can’t get gas,” said driver Robin Fischer.

Businesses on San Miguel Canyon Road were without power for hours and unable to offer services.

At last check, the road is still closed and CHP is directing drivers to alternate routes.