An apparent tornado struck the small Northern California town of Scotts Valley on Saturday, overturning cars, damaging property and sending several people to the hospital.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:40 p.m. local time, about 30 miles south of San Jose, according to the National Weather Service.
According to ABC News, while no deaths have been reported, the Scotts Valley Police Department confirmed in a press release that several people suffered injuries.
“Emergency medical teams are prioritizing those most in need of care and we continue to closely monitor the situation,” the statement said.
Authorities described the damage as “significant,” and images shared on social media showed overturned vehicles strewn across roads and a shopping center parking lot.
The National Weather Service verified the tornado based on photographs, videos, radar data and eyewitness accounts. An investigation team is prepared to examine the affected areas to determine the strength of the tornado.
Tornadoes are relatively rare in California, with an average of 11 a year, mostly in spring and fall.
Earlier on Saturday, the weather service issued a tornado warning for San Francisco amid a powerful storm that caused widespread power outages. The warning was lifted after about 20 minutes.
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