A tornado near a shopping mall in Scotts Valley, California, has caused significant damage and injuries. The tornado, categorized as EF1, swept through the area at approximately 1:40 p.m. local time, uprooting trees and flipping vehicles.

Emergency services reported that at least four individuals were injured, with two requiring hospitalization. The National Weather Service highlighted that wind speeds reached 90 mph, marking it as a rare occurrence in this region.

Nearby, in San Francisco, residents received the city’s first-ever tornado warning early Saturday. Authorities advised those in downtown and northern San Mateo County to ‘take shelter now.’ This warning was short-lived as the storm moved through quickly.

Impact Across the Country

While California faced swirling winds and heavy rainfall, other regions were not spared from severe weather. Upstate New York experienced over 33 inches of snow, complicating travel, and an ice storm affected areas in the Midwest, resulting in temporary road closures.

The National Weather Service in Davenport, Iowa, noted the dangerous conditions contributed to a fatal accident in Nebraska, where a woman lost control of her vehicle amid icy roads.

Public Response and Warnings

With the tornado warning issued, public safety officials emphasized the need for preparedness. With few basements in the city, they advised people to ‘put as many walls between you and the outside as possible,’ according to meteorologist Dalton Behringer.

Weather Ahead

As the weekend progressed, the severe weather prompted clean-up efforts and power restoration after strong winds left over 50,000 residents without electricity in northern California. The situation led local businesses to adjust their opening hours to address the icy conditions.

Residents are urged to monitor local updates, especially as further winter weather is anticipated across various parts of the country.