On December 14, 2024, a tornado event was recorded in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz County, California, classified as an EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. This blog post summarizes the findings from the National Weather Service (NWS) damage survey conducted shortly after the tornado, detailing its impact and the classification of this weather phenomenon.
The Tornado Overview
Rating: EF1
Estimated Peak Wind: 90 mph
Path Length: 0.31 miles
Maximum Path Width: 30 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 3
Timeline of Events
Start Date: December 14, 2024
Start Time: 01:39 PM PST
End Date: December 14, 2024
End Time: 01:44 PM PST
The tornado’s path began near Mount Hermon Rd and Lockewood Ln and continued southeast, causing damage until just short of Kings Village Rd.
Survey Findings
A dedicated team from the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area conducted a storm survey following the tornado. Their examination revealed a variety of damage types, including:
Downed trees and power poles
Trees stripped of branches
Numerous overturned vehicles
Damaged street signs
These observations led the survey team to determine that the maximum wind speed reached was 90 mph, categorizing this tornado as a weak EF1 event.
EF Scale Overview
Understanding the EF scale is crucial for appreciating the classification of tornadoes. The Enhanced Fujita Scale categorizes tornadoes as follows:
EF0: Weak (65 to 85 mph)
EF1: Weak (86 to 110 mph)
EF2: Strong (111 to 135 mph)
EF3: Strong (136 to 165 mph)
EF4: Violent (166 to 200 mph)
EF5: Violent (>200 mph)
Scotts Valley’s EF1 rating signifies it was a relatively weak tornado compared to more powerful classifications, but the damages it caused were still significant, particularly in the affected areas.
Though no fatalities occurred during the Scotts Valley tornado, the three reported injuries emphasize the potential dangers associated with tornado events. Understanding how these incidents unfold through detailed surveys, like the one conducted by the National Weather Service, is essential for improving safety measures and community preparedness.
Stay tuned for more weather-related updates and safety tips on our blog!
For anyone interested in learning more about tornado preparedness and safety, check out our resources or share your own experiences in the comments below. Let’s work together to stay informed and safe during severe weather events!