A tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, Northern California, on Saturday afternoon, leaving at least four individuals injured. The severe weather event, categorized as an EF1 by the National Weather Service, lasted approximately five minutes and caused significant disruption in the local area. Reports indicate that the tornado flipped several vehicles and knocked down power lines, prompting local authorities to close a road through the night for cleanup and repairs.
The tornado struck Scotts Valley at around 1:39 PM local time, as noted by police, and wind speeds reached up to 90 mph. The tornado had a width of approximately 30 yards and traveled a distance of a quarter of a mile before dissipating. Notably, earlier that day, a tornado warning was issued for the first time ever in San Francisco, where residents received alerts on their mobile devices urging them to seek shelter as thunderstorms moved through the region, with winds reaching up to 60 mph. Fortunately, the warning was lifted shortly after, with the storm moving out of downtown San Francisco.
While this incident has had immediate negative impacts on the community, it’s a testament to the preparedness of local authorities and the effectiveness of warning systems in place. The quick response from police and fire services, combined with the timely alerts sent to residents, helped to minimize potential injuries and property damage.
This occurrence serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of severe weather risks, as unusual weather patterns can happen even in regions not typically associated with tornadoes. Hopeful recovery efforts are now underway, and communities are coming together to support those affected by this unexpected event.