On Saturday afternoon, a rare tornado struck Scotts Valley, a town located about 55 miles south of San Francisco, California. The tornado caused significant damage, flipping over vehicles and downing power lines, leaving four people injured, two of whom required hospitalization.
The National Weather Service (NWS) classified the tornado as an EF1, which is on the lower end of the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Despite its relatively weak classification, the twister packed wind speeds of up to 90 mph (145 km/h), leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The tornado, which touched down at 1:39 PM local time (21:39 GMT), was approximately 30 yards wide and traveled a quarter of a mile before dissipating.
Tornado Warning Wakes San Francisco Residents
Earlier on Saturday, residents of San Francisco were startled by a tornado warning issued at 6:00 AM local time (14:00 GMT). This marked the first time a tornado warning was issued for the city. The alert was sent to more than one million residents, urging them to “take shelter now.”
The warning covered parts of downtown San Francisco and northern San Mateo County as thunderstorms swept through the region, bringing winds of up to 60 mph (96 km/h). However, the warning was lifted within minutes as the storm moved out of the area.
This was a historic moment for San Francisco, as the last recorded tornado in the city occurred in 2005. Unlike Saturday’s event, the 2005 tornado struck without a radar signature, leaving meteorologists unable to issue any prior warnings. Nearby San Mateo County last experienced a tornado warning in 2011.
Scotts Valley Impact
In Scotts Valley, the brief but destructive tornado caused widespread damage. Authorities reported overturned vehicles and fallen power lines, prompting road closures to clear debris and carry out repairs. The local fire service confirmed the injuries and stated that emergency responders worked throughout the evening to ensure the safety of residents.
As of Sunday, power outages persisted across northern and central California, with over 50,000 customers still in the dark, according to PowerOutage.us. Scotts Valley was among the hardest-hit areas, as repair crews worked diligently to restore services.
Severe Weather Patterns in Northern California
Saturday’s tornado warning came just a week after San Francisco experienced its first-ever tsunami advisory. The advisory, issued following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake off California’s northern coast, was eventually lifted without incident.
In addition to the tornado, a powerful storm had swept through the region overnight, toppling trees and causing significant power outages. The NWS Bay Area issued a coastal flood advisory through the weekend, cautioning residents to avoid the seaside until Monday due to dangerous conditions.
Rare Tornado Phenomenon Raises Concerns
Meteorologist Roger Glass of the NWS emphasized the rarity of tornadoes in the Bay Area, noting that their infrequency makes them particularly alarming when they occur. Tornadoes of any magnitude in northern California are unusual, and their appearance underscores the growing unpredictability of weather patterns in the region.
The incident has raised questions about preparedness for such extreme weather events in areas not typically prone to tornado activity. While no fatalities were reported, the injuries and damage in Scotts Valley serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers.
Aftermath and Ongoing Recovery
As the recovery process continues, authorities have urged residents to stay alert for further weather updates. Crews are working to restore power and clear debris, with efforts expected to extend into the week.
The recent string of unusual weather events including the tornado, storm damage, and last week’s tsunami advisory has left many northern California residents on edge. As climate patterns shift, authorities and meteorologists are calling for increased vigilance and preparedness in the face of an uncertain future.
For now, Scotts Valley begins the slow process of recovery, with its community rallying together to rebuild after this rare and unexpected natural disaster.
