Tornado Rips Roofs Off Homes and Throws Cars Around In California
Tornadoes, while not common in California, can cause serious damage when they do Make landfall. On December 24, 2020, one such tornado struck Northern California, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. As of December 26th, eleven homes in Marysville, California, were destroyed, with dozens of others damaged. Remarkably, no injuries, deaths, or serious medical issues were reported as a result. An incredible and heartbreaking reminder of the power of nature, let’s review what happened and what’s happening now.
What Caused the Tornado
California is not typically known for its twisters, but tornadic events can still occur. The tornado that struck Marysville operated under unique circumstances. It is believed that the storm had formed by a Spanish ship carrying tropical air and it combined with existing weather patterns in the region. This spurned a line of thunderstorms that developed into a tornado, tearing across the city.
The Destruction
The tornado struck the city around 10 pm leaving a seven-mile long path of destruction in its wake. The tornado ripped the roofs off of multiple homes and uprooted trees, snapped power lines, and even threw cars around. Video footage captured by residents in the region shows glimpses of the storm’s power, with debris seen flying around the air.
The Aftermath
Now that the tornado has passed, the city is facing the long road of recovery ahead. Residents have started to clean up the debris and assess the damage that was done. While there were no fatalities as a result of the tornado, it has caused tremendous damage to the eleven homes that were destroyed and dozens of others that suffered significant damage.
The Role of Insurance
The residents affected by the tornado that struck Marysville are fortunate to have insurance coverage. Homeowners who were affected should contact their insurance provider to learn what coverage, if any, they have for this type of event. Typically, policies will cover the cost of replacing any damaged structures, as well as the cost of repairing any damage that was incurred.
Many times, renters’ insurance will also cover some of the damages caused by a tornado, but it’s important to double-check every policy to make sure. If a policyholder doesn’t have homeowners insurance or renters insurance, they should reach out to local charity organizations such as the Red Cross who may be able to provide them with some assistance.
Survivors of the Tornado
While no lives were lost as a result of the tornado, several people in the region are still feeling the effects. Josh Roberts, a resident of Marysville, was in bed when the tornado first hit. He recalled hearing the sound of the wind and the violent shaking of his home before he whipped the covers over his head and hid in the bathroom.
“It felt like the house was going to come down with me inside of it,” Josh said in an interview with local news. “I was so scared that I was just clinging to the walls and praying for the storm to stop.”
Fortunately, Josh and his family were able to make it out of their home unscathed. They’ve now banded together with their community in the wake of the storm to help their neighbors who were affected.
Recovery Assistance for Tornado Survivors
In the days since the tornado hit, the community in Marysville has come together to help those affected. Local charities and disaster relief organizations such as the Red Cross have set up shop in the city, providing shelter, food, and water to those who need it.
The city of Marysville has also established a ‘Tornado Relief Center’ that is helping local residents access the assistance they need in the wake of this natural disaster. Some of the assistance provided by the center includes:
• Financial assistance for housing repairs and replacements
• Replacing or repairing any damaged personal items in affected homes
• Providing mental health counselors and services for those affected
• Working with local businesses to offer discounted services and support
• Setting up a hotline to report damage and receive assistance
Officials in Marysville have also set up a donation center to support those affected. Donors interested in helping out can make donations to the ‘American Red Cross Tommorrow Relief Fund’, which will be used to support those affected by the natural disaster.
In any situation, a tornado can cause tremendous amounts of damage and suffering. The tornado that struck Marysville, California was no exception. Fortunately, though, the community has come together to offer assistance and comfort to those affected, and has provided plenty of resources for those affected to get the help they need.
Though tornadoes are not the typical weather event in California, the residents of Marysville were reminded of their destructive capabilities this Christmas season. Going forward, let’s all hope that such destructive events don’t take place in the future and that the affected citizens can soon begin to repair their homes and move on with life.
