National Weather Service final assessment report

EF1 Tornado Touches Down in Scotts Valley, CA, on December 14, 2024, Causing Damage and Injuries

Dec 14, 2024, 11:17 PM

A tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, California, on December 14, 2024, around 1:30 PM, causing significant damage. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado, which was classified as at least an EF1, based on radar observations and eyewitness accounts. Video footage showed the tornado lifting debris, overturning cars, and bringing down power lines. Reports indicate that several injuries occurred as the tornado impacted the area, which is located near Santa Cruz. The NWS has issued a local storm report and plans to conduct further investigations to assess the tornado's intensity. This event marks the seventh known tornado in Santa Cruz County since 1950, with the last occurring in 2019. The tornado's occurrence follows a rare tornado warning issued earlier that day for Downtown San Francisco.