Over the weekend, downtown San Francisco experienced rare weather phenomena, including a tornado warning and severe storms that caused significant damage in the region. The National Weather Service in the San Francisco Bay Area issued a tornado warning after detecting rotation on radar, but subsequent investigations revealed that the damage was likely caused by straight-line winds reaching speeds of up to 80 mph in the Richmond District and Golden Gate Park areas.
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management confirmed that the tornado threat had passed by early morning, with the storm moving northeast of downtown. In addition to the tornado warning, the National Weather Service also issued flood advisories and high wind warnings, with wind gusts reaching up to 83 mph at San Francisco Airport.
Later in the day, an EF1 tornado with peak winds of 90 mph struck Scotts Valley, located south of San Francisco, resulting in injuries to five individuals. The tornado caused damage to vehicles, properties, and infrastructure in the area, prompting authorities to assess the extent of the impact.
California typically experiences nine tornadoes in a year, making the occurrence of tornado warnings in downtown San Francisco and Scotts Valley particularly rare. Just a week prior to the tornado warning, a tsunami warning was issued for the San Francisco Bay area following a 7.0-magnitude earthquake off the California coast. While the warning was eventually canceled, the earthquake served as a reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.
These recent events highlight the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of unpredictable weather patterns and geological activities. Residents and authorities in the San Francisco area continue to monitor conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
