Rare tornado hits California town amid potent winter storm

On December 14, 2024, a rare EF1 tornado struck Scotts Valley, Calif., causing significant damage and multiple injuries.

The tornado, with winds reaching 90 mph, overturned vehicles, downed power lines, and uprooted trees near a shopping center. Five individuals sustained injuries; three were hospitalized with non-life-threatening conditions, while two declined treatment at the scene.

Earlier that day, San Francisco issued its first-ever warning, though no tornado materialized there. California tornadoes are pretty rare, with the state averaging about 11 tornadoes per year. For comparison, Texas averages 137 tornadoes per year.

In addition to the Scotts Valley tornado, the intense winter storm caused widespread impacts across California, including heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and snow in higher elevations.