Thousands without Power After Tornado California

A powerful tornado swept through Northern California, causing widespread damage and power outages across the region.

Santa Cruz County, south of San Francisco, was among the hardest-hit areas. Images on social media showed overturned vehicles and flooding.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a storm warning for the region, predicting wind speeds of up to 75 kilometers per hour (40 knots) and urging residents to stay away from coastal areas.

The NWS maintained a flood warning for the affected areas until early Sunday morning. Torrential rain and strong winds created hazardous conditions, with warnings of dangerous surf along the California coast.

The storm led to extensive power outages throughout California. In San Francisco alone, about 13,000 homes lost electricity.

Statewide, more than 170,000 utility customers experienced outages, exacerbating the challenges posed by the winter storm.

The Associated Press reported that severe weather affected various parts of the United States. In upstate New York, heavy snowfall created dangerous conditions, while a massive snowstorm swept through the Midwest.

Meanwhile, storm warnings were issued around Lake Tahoe, and an unusual tornado outbreak struck Central California.

In Iowa and eastern Nebraska, icy conditions caused treacherous driving scenarios, prompting the temporary closure of Interstate 80 after numerous vehicles and trucks skidded off the road.

On Saturday, a tornado struck Scotts Valley, about 110 kilometers (70 miles) south of San Francisco, around 1:40 PM local time.

The storm toppled cars, uprooted trees, and downed power lines, causing significant disruption in the area.

This storm highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events across the United States, raising concerns about infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness.

As California faces unpredictable weather patterns, residents and authorities are urged to remain vigilant in the face of future challenges.