Tornado warning canceled for parts of Santa Cruz County on Christmas
The warning includes Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Capitola until 1 p.m.
Updated: 12:57 PM PST Dec 25, 2025
The National Weather Service office in San Francisco issued a Tornado Warning Thursday afternoon for central Santa Cruz County, citing radar-indicated rotation within a severe thunderstorm. The warning was shortly canceled.The National Weather Service said, “At 12:40 PM PST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Scotts Valley, or 6 miles northeast of Santa Cruz, moving north at 35 mph.”The warning was issued at 12:19 p.m. and had been set to remain in effect until 1:00 p.m., before it was canceled at around 12:50 p.m. Forecasters said the storm was located about 7 miles south of Santa Cruz at the time of the initial alert and was moving north at roughly 35 mphStay with our partner station KSBW for the latest. Officials warned that a tornado could produce dangerous flying debris, with the potential to damage or destroy mobile homes and cause damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Tree damage is also likely, according to the weather service.Areas listed in the warning included: Santa Cruz, Corralitos, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Live Oak, Soquel, Twin Lakes, Opal Cliffs, Felton, Aptos, Ben Lomond, Rio Del Mar, Eureka Canyon Road, Boulder Creek, Day Valley, and the Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley area.Safety guidanceThe National Weather Service urged residents to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building, away from windows. People outdoors, in mobile homes, or in vehicles were advised to seek the closest substantial shelter immediately and protect themselves from flying debris.The warning was based on radar-indicated rotation. The storm may also produce hail under 1 inch, forecasters said.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
The National Weather Service office in San Francisco issued a Tornado Warning Thursday afternoon for central Santa Cruz County, citing radar-indicated rotation within a severe thunderstorm. The warning was shortly canceled.
The National Weather Service said, “At 12:40 PM PST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Scotts Valley, or 6 miles northeast of Santa Cruz, moving north at 35 mph.”
The warning was issued at 12:19 p.m. and had been set to remain in effect until 1:00 p.m., before it was canceled at around 12:50 p.m. Forecasters said the storm was located about 7 miles south of Santa Cruz at the time of the initial alert and was moving north at roughly 35 mph
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Officials warned that a tornado could produce dangerous flying debris, with the potential to damage or destroy mobile homes and cause damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Tree damage is also likely, according to the weather service.
Areas listed in the warning included: Santa Cruz, Corralitos, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Live Oak, Soquel, Twin Lakes, Opal Cliffs, Felton, Aptos, Ben Lomond, Rio Del Mar, Eureka Canyon Road, Boulder Creek, Day Valley, and the Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley area.
Safety guidance
The National Weather Service urged residents to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building, away from windows. People outdoors, in mobile homes, or in vehicles were advised to seek the closest substantial shelter immediately and protect themselves from flying debris.
The warning was based on radar-indicated rotation. The storm may also produce hail under 1 inch, forecasters said.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel