Rare tornado rips through shopping center in Scotts Valley, California: See video

Posted by author December 16, 2024 Shopping

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A video captured a tornado ripping through a shopping center parking lot in California over the weekend.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported that the tornado in Scotts Valley on Saturday caused several flipped vehicles, fallen trees, and multiple injuries due to the heavy winds and rain. It hit the city, which is about 6 miles from Santa Cruz, just before 2 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service Bay Area, the EF-1 tornado had estimated peak winds of 90 mph. The agency said that power poles were included in the damage.

“Everything was being blown that way. Cars were suddenly moving,” witness Ben Hughes told KGO. “You could see the traffic lights leave the poles.”

No deaths have been reported, officials say

According to the Scotts Valley Police Department, during road closures, crews with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company worked to restore power.

“We thank our community for their patience while repairs were being made,” the department said.

Officials said that no one was killed due to the tornado, KGO reported.

“It was a miracle no one was killed in this event,” Scotts Valley Vice Mayor Derek Timm said to the news station on Sunday. “I feel like we dodged a bullet on this one, in terms of injuries and no fatalities.”

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.