On December 14, 2024, a rare EF1 tornado struck Scotts Valley, California, causing significant damage and injuries. With winds reaching approximately 90 miles per hour, the tornado overturned vehicles, downed power lines, and stripped trees along Mount Hermon Road. Emergency services reported that five individuals sustained injuries, with two requiring hospitalization. This event was particularly notable as tornadoes are uncommon in California, especially in the coastal regions.
The severe weather system that produced the Scotts Valley tornado also led to San Francisco’s first-ever tornado warning, though no tornado materialized there. The broader storm system brought heavy rain and strong winds to the region, causing power outages and hazardous conditions. In the aftermath, local authorities and utility workers acted swiftly to restore power and clear debris, aiming to return the community to normalcy. This unusual meteorological event has prompted discussions about the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns in the area.
Here are a few videos from news outlets.
