A Tornado Touches Down in California
OMAHA, Neb. — A tornado ripped through Scotts Valley, California, around 1:40 p.m. local time on Saturday, causing extensive damage, flipping cars, uprooting trees, and sending several people to the hospital. This incident marks a notable event as San Francisco experienced its first-ever tornado warning earlier that day.
The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado traveled approximately a quarter of a mile, with wind speeds estimated at around 90 mph (145 km/h). Witness reports and video evidence helped the weather service confirm the tornado’s occurrence.
Weather Conditions Across the U.S.
Meanwhile, a series of severe weather alerts were issued across various states. Upstate New York reported heavy snowfall, with areas receiving over 33 inches (84 cm) of snow, particularly in Orchard Park, known for lake-effect snow. Additionally, a significant ice storm swept through the Midwest, leading to treacherous driving conditions and temporary road closures.
Tornado Warning: A First for San Francisco
Roger Gass, a meteorologist with the Monterey office of the National Weather Service, noted that the tornado warning issued for San Francisco was unprecedented, as the city had not seen warnings for tornadoes since at least 2005. Meteorologist Dalton Behringer advised residents to ‘put as many walls between you and the outside as possible’ during such storms.
Impact on Residents and Infrastructure
The Scotts Valley tornado injured several individuals, leading emergency medical teams to prioritize care for those most affected. Photos from the scene showed cars turned on their sides and significant damage to storefronts in the area. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities, but the aftermath of the storm prompted extensive road closure and clean-up efforts.
In addition to the tornado, severe weather in the Midwest resulted in at least one death from a vehicle accident caused by hazardous conditions. Despite the harsh weather, some businesses in the affected areas planned to open later in the day as temperatures began to rise and ice started melting.
Weather Advisories and Warnings
As the weekend progressed, additional warnings, including a coastal flood advisory, were issued for northern California, and power outages affected tens of thousands of residents in Washington state due to gusty winds and rain. The National Weather Service continues to monitor and issue alerts, emphasizing the importance of safety during severe weather events.
