A tornado struck Scotts Valley, Northern California, causing significant damage, injuries, and power outages. It followed the first-ever Tornado Warning for San Francisco as a powerful storm swept through the area. The National Weather Service is assessing the tornado’s strength and effects, while additional storms are anticipated.
On Saturday morning, a rare tornado was reported in Northern California, specifically in Scotts Valley, following the issuance of the first-ever Tornado Warning for San Francisco. The tornado resulted in significant damage by flipping vehicles, damaging businesses, and leaving numerous residents without electrical power. Photographs and videos from the affected area depicted chaotic scenes as individuals sought shelter amidst the storm. Local authorities confirmed that multiple people sustained injuries, though no fatalities were reported thus far.
A woman was heard urging her partner to return home while debris impacted their vehicle during the storm. Emergency medical teams promptly transported injured individuals to nearby trauma facilities for assessment and treatment. Local police stated that, “At this time, several individuals have been transported to nearby trauma centers for evaluation and treatment.” Moreover, the tornado impacted the shopping district of Scotts Valley, overturning several cars in the process.
Prior to the tornado event, San Francisco experienced its first-ever Tornado Warning due to a powerful storm system hitting the region. The National Weather Service investigated the damage and discovered that straight-line winds of approximately 80 mph were responsible. Meteorologists have been dispatched to assess the tornado’s intensity on the Enhanced Fujita Wind Scale. Upon the storm’s peak, more than 128,000 residents in California reportedly faced power outages, particularly in the southern Bay Area and Sierra Nevada region.
Tornadoes in California are a highly uncommon phenomenon, particularly in the western United States where they are rarely documented. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), fewer than 500 tornadoes were reported in California since 1950, resulting in injuries but no fatalities. On average, approximately 11 tornadoes occur each year, typically in the spring and autumn seasons. The recent severe weather was attributed to an atmospheric river event, which will conclude soon before another wave of heavy rainfall approaches the coastal region.
In summary, Northern California witnessed a rare tornado event that resulted in substantial damage, particularly in Scotts Valley, with several injuries reported but no fatalities. The issuance of the Tornado Warning for San Francisco marks a significant milestone, underscoring the unexpected nature of severe weather in the region. The National Weather Service continues to monitor the situation, and residents are advised to remain vigilant as additional storms are forecasted in the coming days.
Original Source: www.foxweather.com
