Weather
Injuries reported after tornado touched down in Scotts Valley
According to a preliminary survey, the tornado was classified as an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
Scotts Valley, CA – Severe weather wreaked havoc across the United States over the weekend, with a tornado striking near a shopping mall in Scotts Valley, California, overturning vehicles, uprooting trees, and sending several people to the hospital.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, authorities issued the city’s first-ever tornado warning.
The tornado touched down near Scotts Valley, approximately 70 miles south of San Francisco, around 1:40 p.m. on Saturday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado caused significant damage, particularly along Mount Hermon Road.
A tornado was reported to have touched down in Scotts Valley in Santa Cruz County, the NWS says.https://t.co/WEtYDDdbzU pic.twitter.com/6skkGu2ZXS— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) December 14, 2024
According to a preliminary survey, the tornado was classified as an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
The tornado overturned at least six vehicles, toppled utility poles, uprooted trees, and damaged several businesses in the area, including a Target and a McDonald’s.
Notably, their iconic signs were destroyed. Scotts Valley Police Department reported five injuries from the event. Four individuals were treated and released from the hospital, while one person remains hospitalized with a punctured lung.
Among those impacted was a CAL FIRE battalion chief whose vehicle was briefly lifted by the tornado.
He was hospitalized as a precaution and is reportedly in good condition.
Mount Hermon Road, the epicenter of the tornado’s impact, remains closed between Scotts Valley Drive and Lockewood Drive. Police expect the road to reopen on Sunday morning after Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) completes repairs to damaged power lines and poles.
The damage assessment is ongoing, and there is currently no estimate of the total financial loss caused by the tornado.
While Scotts Valley bore the brunt of the tornado, San Francisco issued its first-ever tornado warning.
This rare alert was prompted by rapidly intensifying conditions in the area. Although no tornado touchdown has been confirmed within the city, damage consistent with high winds was reported, including fallen trees, debris in the streets, and damaged rooftops.
Meteorologist Roger Gass from the NWS office in Monterey emphasized the significance of the warning, noting that it marked the first advanced tornado alert for San Francisco since records began.
The last known tornado in the city occurred in 2005, striking without a warning.
The tornado in California was part of a larger system of inclement weather impacting the nation. In the Midwest, a significant ice storm created hazardous driving conditions in Iowa and Nebraska, forcing temporary closures of Interstate 80.
Meanwhile, in upstate New York, a snowstorm dumped over 33 inches of lake-effect snow near Orchard Park, leading to treacherous conditions.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor ongoing severe weather threats across multiple states. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain cautious and adhere to local safety warnings.
Reports of potential tornado activity have emerged in the Katy Hockley and Bridgeland areas. However, as of now, there have been no calls regarding structural damage or injuries associated with these reports.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Southeast Texas from Friday night through Saturday morning. Drivers should exercise caution and be prepared for significantly reduced visibility during the morning commute.
- Spotty rain showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible ahead of an approaching cold front.
- Coastal areas may experience some early storm activity around sunrise, though these storms are not expected to match the intensity of the severe weather experienced on Thursday.
- A cold front will move through the region, bringing scattered storms. While the overall risk of severe weather remains low, there is a 2 out of 5 chance (Slight Risk) for isolated severe storms.
- Residents across Southeast Texas are advised to stay alert, as conditions can change rapidly.
- The line of storms is expected to clear the area by approximately 5:00 PM on Saturday as the front pushes eastward toward Louisiana.
High-pressure systems will move in behind the cold front, providing a calmer and more stable weather pattern. Expect drier conditions and cooler temperatures on Sunday.
- Stay updated with local weather alerts and forecasts.
- Exercise caution while driving during foggy conditions or heavy rainfall.
- Have a plan in place and know where to seek shelter if severe weather develops.
The National Weather Service and local authorities will continue to provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to monitor conditions and stay safe throughout the weekend.