San Francisco was gripped by a tense morning when a tornado warning was issued last Saturday.
The city faced intense winds, and a confirmed tornado struck Scotts Valley, causing injuries and damage, The Weather Channel reported.
A tornado alert woke many San Francisco residents before dawn at just before 6 a.m. As the storm quickly moved towards the north into San Francisco Bay, the alert concluded at 6:15 a.m., leaving the city spared from an actual tornado. Instead, the damage assessed was due to powerful straight-line winds.
Previous encounters like the unexpected 2005 tornado, which came without warning, explain the anxious response from residents. This time, although the city dodged a direct hit, it still suffered from flooding and wind damage that affected a wider area on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024.
The emergency protocols were swiftly communicated by the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management, outlining how residents should react to such warnings in the future. Shelter recommendations stressed the importance of seeking refuge in an interior room on the lowest floor and away from windows.
Expressions of public anxiety were noted by the Department of Emergency Management. They elaborated on the community's reaction to this rare event in a broader statement:
Residents were understandably anxious upon receiving the tornado alert, a scenario uncommon for the region. It's crucial that the community understands how to react correctly during such rare but serious events.
Meanwhile, the real fury of nature was unleashed to the south in Scotts Valley, roughly an hour's drive from San Francisco, where a confirmed EF1 tornado hit by mid-afternoon. Touching down at 1:39 p.m., it brought 90 mph peak winds and was on the ground for about 5 minutes, wreaking havoc along its path.
In its wake, the tornado left damaged properties and injuries, primarily around Mount Hermon Road. Scotts Valley Police reported that most injuries occurred in vehicles that were thrown about by the tornado. At least five individuals were hospitalized following the incident, recounting the terror they experienced.
Recovery efforts faced complications as 3,600 customers in the region experienced power outages Sunday morning. Efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy and repair infrastructure for future storm resilience.
Meteorologists have also predicted another storm system impacting the West Coast early this week. Local emergency services and the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management are closely monitoring the situation.
While San Francisco avoided the worst of the tornado, neighboring areas were not as fortunate. City officials stress the importance of preparedness, with damage assessments and recovery operations continuing as communities brace for further weather challenges.
