Severe Winter Storms Slam US: Snow, Ice Hazards, and California Tornado Alert

A powerful storm swept through San Francisco recently, causing damage to trees and rooftops while issuing the city’s first-ever tornado warning since 2005. This unusual weather phenomenon took many by surprise.

Meanwhile, a tornado was confirmed near a shopping mall in Scotts Valley, California. The tornado, which struck around 1:40 p.m. local time, lifted cars, uprooted trees, and injured several individuals, necessitating hospital visits. Authorities from the National Weather Service confirmed the severity of the situation.

Across the nation, various regions faced hazardous weather. In upstate New York, heavy snowfall accumulation exceeded 33 inches, particularly around Orchard Park. Meanwhile, an ice storm posed serious driving hazards across Iowa and eastern Nebraska, leading to the temporary closure of Interstate 80.

As the storm progressed on Saturday, it became evident that the tornado in Scotts Valley was part of a broader pattern of inclement weather affecting California and beyond. In the wake of the storm, an assessment was initiated in San Francisco to confirm the possibility of a tornado, something that hadn’t happened in the city for over a decade.

Roger Gass, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Monterey, highlighted the anomaly of the tornado warning for San Francisco. Previously, no advanced alerts were issued before the last tornado event nearly 20 years ago. “I would guess there wasn’t a clear signature on radar for a warning in 2005,” Gass added.

Emergency protocols advised residents to seek shelter. However, due to the absence of basements in many buildings, people were encouraged to stay indoors and minimize exposure to the storm.

Significant snowfall was also reported at Lake Tahoe ski resorts, with estimates of up to 3 feet possible for the Sierra Nevada mountaintops. Despite the harsh conditions, the Tahoe Live music festival proceeded as planned, featuring performances by Lil Wayne and Diplo.

Road conditions deteriorated rapidly, resulting in the closure of an 80-mile stretch of Interstate 80 from Applegate to the Nevada border. The California Highway Patrol later reopened the route for vehicles equipped with chains or snow tires.

In the Midwest, severe weather led to at least one fatal incident where a woman lost her life after her vehicle collided with a truck amid icy conditions. Fortunately, warmer weather began to sweep in, helping to alleviate some of the ice in the impacted areas.

Finally, tens of thousands in western Washington faced power outages due to ongoing rain and winds. Local authorities continue to monitor the weather closely as recovery efforts initiate across the affected regions.