A devastating ice storm has brought hazardous conditions to roads in Iowa and Nebraska, causing at least one fatality and prompting officials to urge residents to stay home. Meanwhile, a rare tornado warning was issued in San Francisco, where wind gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour led to widespread damage.
US: Ice Storm Brings Chaos to Midwest Roads
An ice storm has caused hazardous conditions on roads in Iowa and Nebraska, forcing temporary closures of Interstate 80. The storm started to set in on Friday evening, prompting the cancellation of several events and appeals from local officials for people to stay home if possible.
Road Conditions Become Treacherous
The storm brought freezing rain that made roads with inclines particularly treacherous. At least one person died in a crash caused by the icy roads. The Washington County Sheriff’s office reported that a 57-year-old woman was killed when she lost control of her pickup truck on Highway 30 near Arlington and hit an oncoming truck. The other driver sustained minor injuries.
Warmer Air Brings Relief
By late Saturday, temperatures rose high enough for the ice to start to thaw. “Luckily some warmer air is moving in behind this to make it temporary,” said Dave Cousins, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service‘s office in Davenport, Iowa.
Possible Tornado Hits San Francisco
On the West Coast, authorities issued a rare tornado warning in San Francisco on Saturday. A storm with wind gusts of around 100 kilometers (or 60 miles) per hour prompted the alert. Trees were felled in parts of the city and some coastal areas experienced minor flooding.
Damage Assessment Underway
The National Weather Service is assessing damage and witness reports to determine if the storm qualifies as a tornado, which would be San Francisco’s first in almost two decades. In nearby Livermore, heavy rains led to localized flooding.
Tornado Causes Extensive Damage in Scotts Valley
The National Weather Service logged a tornado not far south of San Francisco, in Scotts Valley, later on Saturday. The Scotts Valley Police Department reported that the tornado caused extensive damage, including overturning several vehicles in and around the shopping district on Mt. Hermon Drive.
