SCOTTS VALLEY, CA — A tornado swept through Scotts Valley in Northern California on Saturday afternoon, causing significant disruption by flipping cars and downing power lines. The event, which occurred near Santa Cruz, resulted in several injuries, according to local fire officials.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that the tornado was a weak EF1, touching down at 1:39 p.m. at the intersection of Mount Hermon Drive and Lockewood Lane. An initial damage survey report released by the NWS on Saturday night detailed that the tornado lasted approximately five minutes with peak winds reaching about 90 mph. It traveled southeast for over a quarter mile, with a width of 30 yards, primarily affecting Mount Hermon Road.
Initial reports from the Scotts Valley Police Department via social media warned residents to steer clear of the area due to a multi-vehicle accident involving fallen power lines that blocked all directions of traffic. Subsequent updates clarified that the incident was not an accident but the result of a tornado near the Target store at 270 Mount Hermon Drive, which was powerful enough to toss multiple vehicles from the road.
For the first time in recorded history, downtown San Francisco issued its first-ever tornado warning on Saturday as severe storms swept through the city.
The Scotts Valley Fire Protection District reported to CBS News that between four and five individuals sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate. At least two of those injured were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Additionally, a Cal Fire spokesperson noted that a battalion chief was on duty when his vehicle was flipped over by the tornado. Thankfully, he is expected to recover without serious injuries.
This tornado marks a rare weather event in the region, highlighting the unpredictable nature of California’s weather patterns. Emergency services continue to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of all residents.
Key Points:
- Tornado in Scotts Valley: An EF1 tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, near Santa Cruz, California, on Saturday afternoon.
- Time and Location: The tornado was reported at 1:39 p.m. at Mount Hermon Drive and Lockewood Lane.
- Damage: It flipped cars, knocked down power lines, and caused significant damage along Mount Hermon Road.
- Injuries: Four to five people were injured, with injuries described as minor to moderate. At least two were hospitalized.
- Duration and Path: The tornado lasted about five minutes, traveled southeast for more than a quarter mile, and was 30 yards wide.
- Wind Speeds: Peak winds were estimated at 90 mph.
- Emergency Response: Initial police alerts suggested avoiding the area due to a multi-vehicle accident, later confirmed to be tornado-related.
- Cal Fire Incident: A battalion chief’s vehicle was flipped by the tornado, though he is expected to be okay.
