2 killed in windstorm; thousands without power

Robert Kennedy of the Oakland Public Works Dept., Parks Division, cordons off a large eucalyptus tree near Lake Merritt that fell down during a windstorm on Nov. 22, 2013 in Oakland, Calif. The tree, estimated to be around 70 years old, was one of over 120 trees that were downed by the storm. The tree did not damage the nearby Lake Chalet restaurant or cause any injuries. less Robert Kennedy of the Oakland Public Works Dept., Parks Division, cordons off a large eucalyptus tree near Lake Merritt that fell down during a windstorm on Nov. 22, 2013 in Oakland, Calif. The tree, estimated ... more Photo: Douglas Zimmerman, SF Gate Photo: Douglas Zimmerman, SF Gate Image 1 of / 27 Caption Close 2 killed in windstorm; thousands without power 1 / 27 Back to Gallery

Two people were killed and thousands of homes and businesses lost power when high winds ripped through the Bay Area overnight, authorities said Friday.

The winds were particularly strong in the East Bay and North Bay, where numerous trees were knocked down. The National Weather Service reported a gust of 65 mph just north of Piedmont and said sustained winds topping 40 mph were common.

A man was killed in Oakland when a falling tree struck him on Austin Street near Fruitvale Avenue shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday, police said. About a half hour later, a motorist who appeared to be trying to avoid downed debris crashed on Skyline Boulevard in Oakland, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neither man's name has been released.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. crews worked overnight to repair fallen power lines. At one point, 67,000 customers - 43,000 in the East Bay - were without electricity, said PG&E spokeswoman Jana Morris.