Tornado hits Northern California, leaving 170,000 people without power

San Francisco. A tornado caused chaos on the US West Coast. The tornado hit the northern California town of Scotts Valley near Santa Cruz and, according to media reports, overturned cars, toppled trees and cut power lines. The National Weather Service classified the storm as a tornado based on video footage and photos. According to local media reports, several people were injured.

A tornado warning from the weather service had previously temporarily alarmed residents in parts of the city of San Francisco and the counties of San Mateo and Daly City on Saturday morning (local time). “Now seek shelter in a basement or a sturdy building,” was the warning, as various US media reported. There will be heavy rain and storms with speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (almost 100 km/h).

According to media reports, the warning was triggered as a severe thunderstorm moved over Daly City. However, it has since been lifted after the storm moved away from the city center.

Power outages in 170,000 households

The winter storm front left massive power outages in California. In San Francisco alone, up to 13,000 households were without power, particularly around Golden Gate Park and Bernal Heights. Statewide, more than 170,000 electric customers were affected.

The danger has not yet been completely averted: the authorities continue to advise caution in view of the ongoing flood risks and dangerous weather conditions.

RND/dpa