Two tornado warnings over the past two weeks likely surprised many Santa Cruz County residents. No tornadoes touched down in the county this year, but one did in Scotts Valley at the end of 2024. So what prompts a tornado warning from the National Weather Service? And when, if ever, is tornado season locally?
Weather
King tides and heavy rain arrive in Santa Cruz County this weekend
King tides will coincide with a storm system this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue coastal flood and wind advisories for the county.
More rain for New Year’s — also, did winds really clock 90 mph on Christmas Eve at the Harbor?
Meteorologists weigh in on the extreme winds that whipped through the county last week. They can’t say if winds topping 90 miles per hour winds measured at the small craft harbor are record-setting or even entirely accurate. Meanwhile, another weather system is heading toward the area, bringing 3 to 4 inches of rain between Tuesday night and Monday morning.
Tornado warning for Santa Cruz County canceled
The National Weather Service has canceled a tornado warning for Santa Cruz County. The warning was issued at 12:19 p.m. Thursday and scheduled to remain in effect until 1 p.m., but it was lifted shortly before 1 p.m.
Thousands without power following first of two holiday storms
More than 11,000 Santa Cruz County residents were out of power as of late Wednesday morning after the first of two storms brought strong winds to the region. National Weather Service meteorologists say similar conditions are expected Wednesday night, along with 2 to 4 inches of rain by Friday evening.
Two rounds of rain, wind headed to Santa Cruz County for Christmas week
Santa Cruz County will get plenty of rain this week, with two rounds of significant weather rolling through between Tuesday and Friday. A high wind watch is in effect for the county from Tuesday evening through early Wednesday morning. A flood watch is in effect for the Central Coast from Tuesday morning through Friday night.
Wind, more rain coming to Santa Cruz County; stronger storm could be brewing next week
The National Weather Service is forecasting more rain for Santa Cruz County this week as an atmospheric river that had pounded the Pacific Northwest shifts south. There’s uncertainty in next week’s forecast, but a system could bring up to 6 inches of rain Sunday through Tuesday.
After three-week dry spell, rain is coming to Santa Cruz County
The National Weather Service is forecasting three separate weather systems — weak storms — to hit Santa Cruz County this week.
Hazardous beach conditions, large shore breaks in Santa Cruz County forecast
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for Santa Cruz County through Sunday evening, warning of rip currents and large waves.
Forecast is for triple threat this week: King tides, big waves and wind
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for coastal flooding, high surf and powerful offshore winds affecting Santa Cruz County this week.

