The National Weather Service confirmed on Saturday that a tornado touched down in Scotts Valley in Santa Cruz County.
"Based on video, photos, firsthand accounts, and radar signatures a tornado occurred at 1:40 p.m.," the National Weather Service said on social media.
A Local Storm Report has been issued for a tornado in Scotts Valley, CA. Based on video, photos, firsthand accounts, and radar signatures a tornado occurred ~1:40 PM. A NWS Survey team will further investigate to provide a ranking. #cawx pic.twitter.com/IYxksSfMTD
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) December 14, 2024
According to the NWS, the tornado received an EF-1 rating and estimated 90 miles per hour wind speeds.
The tornado lasted close to five minutes, per the weather service.
The Scotts Valley police department said injuries have been reported and several people were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
📃Preliminary Damage Survey Conducted. EF1 tornado observed in Scotts Valley this afternoon, December 14, 2024. The most severe damage was observed along Mt Hermon Rd. Full info: https://t.co/RQIwRzlVFk #cawx #scottsvalley pic.twitter.com/gs48BsaVrr
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) December 15, 2024
According to Vice Mayor Derek Timm, there were six injuries in total, with one person in critical condition. Only three people were transported to a hospital.
No deaths have been reported.
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"We also had approximately 20 vehicles that were damaged in the incident as well as six I had to be hauled away," Timm said.
SVPD said it is working with local agencies to assess the damage.
"Emergency medical teams are prioritizing those most in need of care, and we continue to monitor the situation closely. The tornado has caused extensive damage in several areas, including overturning several vehicles in and around the shopping district on Mt. Hermon Drive," a news release from the department read. "The Scotts Valley Police Department, in cooperation with local agencies, is actively working to secure the affected areas, assist those in need, and restore normal operations as quickly as possible."
According to the California Highway Patrol, Mount Hermon Road is closed between Kings Village and Lockwood due to multiple accidents blocking the road. The CHP advised individuals to "avoid the area and use alternative routes."
Although there was no tornado warning for the area, the weather service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for much of Santa Cruz County, including Scotts Valley. This warning was in effect from 1:25 p.m. to 1:48 p.m. and included expected wind gusts of up to 60 mph and nickel-sized hail.
Separately, a tornado warning was issued in San Francisco before the NWS lifted the threat.
The NWS initially sent out the warning around 5:56 a.m. for San Mateo County and parts of downtown San Francisco.
