Tornado Flips Cars, Damages Businesses in Northern California

A rare tornado tore through Scotts Valley, California, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The EF-1 tornado, packing winds of 90 mph, flipped cars, damaged homes and businesses, and caused significant power outages. The storm hit during the busy holiday shopping season, forcing residents and visitors to seek shelter as debris flew through the air.

First-Ever Tornado Warning Issued for San Francisco

Earlier that morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued its first-ever Tornado Warning for San Francisco. Although the warning sparked widespread concern, there was no evidence of a tornado touching down in the city. The warning came as part of a broader atmospheric river event that brought severe weather to much of Northern California.

Scotts Valley Bears the Brunt of the Tornado

Scotts Valley, located in Santa Cruz County, suffered the most severe impacts. Video footage captured dramatic scenes as residents shouted, “Let's go home!” while debris pelted vehicles on major roads around 1:30 p.m.

Local authorities reported several injuries, though no fatalities, and described the damage as extensive. The tornado left thousands without power, with PowerOutage.us reporting over 128,000 outages statewide, primarily in areas south of the Bay Area and the Sierra Nevada.

Police closed several roads in Scotts Valley to allow crews to repair downed power lines, clear debris, and address other hazards. Some closures were expected to remain in place through Sunday morning.

Tornadoes: A Rare Phenomenon in California

Tornadoes are uncommon in California, especially in the coastal and northern regions. According to NOAA, fewer than 500 tornadoes have been recorded in the state since 1950, averaging about 11 per year. Most tornadoes occur during spring and fall, making this December event even more unusual.

The Enhanced Fujita Scale rated the Scotts Valley tornado as an EF-1, with winds strong enough to flip vehicles and cause structural damage. While tornadoes in California typically result in injuries, fatalities are rare.
What Caused the Severe Weather?

The tornado was part of an atmospheric river event—a narrow corridor of concentrated moisture that brought intense rainfall and strong winds to the region. While the atmospheric river is expected to weaken by Sunday, forecasters warn of another storm system approaching on Monday and Tuesday, potentially bringing more heavy rain to the California coast.

Key Facts:

• EF-1 Tornado: Wind speeds of 90 mph; significant damage in Scotts Valley.
• First Tornado Warning for San Francisco: No touchdown reported in the city.
• Power Outages: Over 128,000 outages during the storm's peak.
• Rare Event: California averages 11 tornadoes annually, mostly in spring and fall.

Residents are advised to remain vigilant as cleanup efforts continue and another storm approaches.