Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice

emirates7 - A tornado near a shopping mall in central California caused significant damage, sweeping up cars, uprooting trees, and injuring several people, who were subsequently hospitalized. Meanwhile, San Francisco experienced its first-ever tornado warning, as authorities responded to severe weather conditions across the region.

Adverse weather affected other parts of the United States as well, bringing heavy snow, ice storms, and severe weather warnings. Upstate New York reported over 33 inches (84 cm) of snow near Orchard Park, an area frequently hit by lake-effect snow. The Midwest faced a major ice storm that began Friday evening, creating hazardous driving conditions in Iowa and eastern Nebraska. Interstate 80 was temporarily closed after multiple vehicles, including cars and trucks, slid off the road.

On Saturday, a tornado struck near Scotts Valley, California, approximately 70 miles (110 km) south of San Francisco. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado overturned cars, downed trees, and damaged utility poles. The Scotts Valley Police Department confirmed that several individuals sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals.

In San Francisco, strong 80-mph (130-kph) straight-line winds, rather than a tornado, caused significant damage, including fallen trees, damaged roofs, and crushed cars. Weather service meteorologist Dalton Behringer clarified that the destruction was due to these powerful winds. Roger Gass, a meteorologist with the Monterey weather office, noted that this marked the first time San Francisco had received an advanced tornado warning, unlike the last tornado nearly 20 years ago, which struck without prior notice.

In western Washington state, tens of thousands of residents lost power on Saturday due to heavy rain and gusty winds associated with the storm system, according to local reports.