A series of extreme weather events have battered the United States, with authorities issuing warnings and emergency responses across the country.
For the first time, San Francisco was placed under a tornado warning, with a powerful tornado striking near Scotts Valley, about 70 miles south of the city.
The tornado, which touched down around 1:40 PM on Saturday, overturned cars, toppled trees and caused significant damage.
Several people were injured, and authorities are assessing whether San Francisco itself experienced a tornado, as the city hasn’t seen one since 2005.
Meanwhile, inclement weather wreaked havoc in other regions, particularly in the Midwest.
A major ice storm triggered hazardous conditions across Iowa and Nebraska.
Interstate 80, a crucial highway, was temporarily closed as numerous vehicles slid off the road.
Tornado warning in San Francisco marks first-ever alert, with severe weather striking nationwide.Tragically, the severe weather claimed at least one life in Nebraska, where a woman lost control of her pickup truck.
Upstate New York wasn’t spared either, with more than 33 inches of snow reported near Orchard Park due to lake-effect snow.
Lake Tahoe ski resorts received up to a foot of snow, and strong winds of up to 112 mph were recorded at Mammoth Mountain.
Even with these challenging conditions, events like the Tahoe Live music festival proceeded as planned.
As winter weather continues to challenge the country, citizens are advised to take precautions, especially in areas where tornadoes, snow, and ice have caused widespread disruptions.
Emergency crews have been working around the clock to clear roads, restore power, and provide aid to those affected.