Severe Ice Storm and Rare Tornado Sweep Across U.S. Regions

Severe Ice Storm and Rare Tornado Sweep Across U.S. Regions \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ This weekend, a deadly ice storm struck Iowa and Nebraska, making roads treacherous and causing accidents, including one fatality. Meanwhile, Northern California faced a rare tornado that damaged cars and buildings in Scotts Valley. Heavy snow blanketed New York and Nevada, disrupting travel and shutting down key highways like Interstate 80. Across western Washington, rain and strong winds caused power outages for thousands. The storms highlighted the diverse and extreme weather conditions gripping multiple U.S. regions.

Severe Weather Chaos Across the U.S.: Quick Looks

• Deadly Ice Storm: Iowa and Nebraska faced icy roads, causing accidents and fatalities.
• California Tornado: San Francisco experienced its first tornado warning, and Scotts Valley saw significant damage.
• Snowfall Totals: Over 33 inches of snow hit New York, while Sierra Nevada mountains received up to 3 feet.
• Travel Disruptions: Interstate 80 faced closures and restrictions in Nevada and California.
• Widespread Power Outages: Tens of thousands in western Washington lost electricity due to heavy rain and winds.
• Meteorologists Weigh In: Experts highlight how warmer air and fast-moving storms shaped these extreme events.

Deep Look: Ice Storms, Tornadoes, and Snow Slam U.S.

Deadly Ice Storm Grips Iowa and Nebraska

An intense ice storm swept across Iowa and eastern Nebraska, leaving roads dangerously slick and forcing officials to close parts of Interstate 80 temporarily. Numerous vehicles, including both cars and trucks, skidded off icy roads as drivers struggled to navigate the hazardous conditions.

The ice storm caused widespread cancellations of events and delayed business openings as officials urged residents to stay home. Temperatures eventually rose on Saturday afternoon, melting much of the ice, but not before a tragic accident occurred in Nebraska.

A 57-year-old woman lost her life on Highway 30 near Arlington, Nebraska, after her pickup truck slid out of control and collided with an oncoming vehicle. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatality, noting that the other driver suffered minor injuries.

Meteorologist Dave Cousins from the National Weather Service in Davenport, Iowa, said that rising temperatures brought some relief, preventing the storm from causing even greater damage. “Luckily, some warmer air is moving in behind this to make it temporary,” Cousins stated.

Rare Tornado Strikes Northern California

In an unprecedented event, Northern California experienced a tornado warning early Saturday morning. It marked the first time San Francisco had been under a tornado warning, according to the National Weather Service. About 1 million residents across San Francisco and San Mateo counties received the alert, which was lifted after 20 minutes.

Later that afternoon, however, a tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, about 70 miles south of San Francisco. The tornado caused significant damage, including flipping vehicles, toppling trees, and downing power lines.

The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado after reviewing radar data, eyewitness accounts, and photos from the scene. The tornado hit near a shopping mall around 1:40 p.m., overturning multiple cars and scattering debris.

Images posted on social media showed vehicles lying on their sides and trees uprooted across streets. The Scotts Valley Police Department reported that cars were “thrown off the road” near a Target store and warned residents to avoid the area.

San Francisco itself saw some storm-related damage, including fallen trees and damaged roofs. Meteorologist Roger Gass of the Weather Service’s Monterey office explained that while there was no clear radar signature of a tornado, the storm’s intensity warranted precautions.

“This was the first-ever warning for a possible tornado in San Francisco,” Gass said, adding that the last suspected tornado in the city occurred in 2005.

Heavy Snowfall Blankets New York and Nevada

Upstate New York faced another challenge as lake-effect snow blanketed the region. Orchard Park, a town accustomed to heavy snowfalls, reported over 33 inches of accumulation. Residents spent the weekend digging out from deep drifts as the winter storm disrupted daily life.

Further west, the Sierra Nevada mountains in California and Nevada experienced their own snowfall challenges. Some mountaintops received up to 3 feet of snow, while Lake Tahoe ski resorts reported over a foot of fresh powder. Mammoth Mountain recorded a wind gust of 112 mph as the storm intensified.

Interstate 80, a key route between California and Nevada, was closed for an 80-mile stretch near Reno due to heavy snow. By Saturday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol reopened the highway for passenger vehicles equipped with chains or four-wheel drive, but semitrailer trucks remained barred from the road.

The National Weather Service in Reno issued a winter storm warning through Saturday evening, urging travelers to exercise caution as conditions remained hazardous.

Rain and Power Outages in Western Washington

While snow and ice dominated the Midwest and mountain regions, the Pacific Northwest faced a different challenge: relentless rain and powerful winds. In western Washington, tens of thousands of residents lost electricity as storms battered the area. Local news outlets reported widespread outages and road closures caused by fallen trees and debris.

Meteorological Insights and Responses

The weekend’s severe weather showcased the variety of challenges that winter storms can bring. From the icy conditions in Nebraska to the rare tornado in California, meteorologists emphasized the importance of swift responses to rapidly changing conditions.

Meteorologist Dalton Behringer, speaking about the California tornado, noted that in areas without basements, the best advice is to “put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.” In the Midwest, warmer air following the ice storm helped mitigate its impact, while the fast-moving nature of the storm in California kept damage localized.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Lessons Learned

In the aftermath of these extreme weather events, affected regions have begun cleanup and recovery efforts. Scotts Valley officials are assessing the damage from the tornado, while snow removal teams in New York and Nevada work to clear roadways and restore normalcy.

Meanwhile, the icy Midwest faces a thawing period as temperatures continue to rise, alleviating road conditions. In Washington, utility crews are working to restore power to homes and businesses affected by the storm.

This weekend’s weather highlights the unpredictability of winter storms and the need for preparedness across the country. From icy roads to rare tornadoes and heavy snow, communities are adapting to an increasingly diverse range of extreme weather conditions.

More on Weather

Severe Ice Storm Severe Ice Storm Severe Ice Storm