In the wake of a rare tornado that struck Scotts Valley, California's public transportation infrastructure faced disruption as well. While tornadoes may be associated more with states in "Tornado Alley," California experiences an average of 11 tornadoes annually.
The recent Scotts Valley incident, which flipped multiple vehicles and injured five people, highlights how these weather events can catch California communities off guard. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado with winds reaching 90 mph touched down in the small Northern California city, causing substantial damage along Mount Hermon Road.
Most California tornadoes occur in the northern Central Valley region, typically during spring and fall seasons. These twisters are generally less severe than those seen in the Midwest, but they can still pose serious risks to public safety and property.
The rarity of California tornadoes was underscored earlier that same day when San Francisco received its first tornado warning since reliable weather records began in 1950. While no tornado materialized in San Francisco, the warning itself was historic.
The Scotts Valley tornado formed during a powerful Pacific storm system that brought an atmospheric river to Northern California. The combination of cold frontal conditions and unstable weather patterns created ideal conditions for tornado formation.
While 11 tornadoes per year may seem minimal compared to states in the central U.S., the Scotts Valley incident serves as a reminder that Californians should remain prepared for these unexpected weather events, even in regions where they rarely occur.