A strong low pressure system moved through northern California, bringing several feet of snow to the mountains, significant rainfall to the valley and foothills, and tornadic supercells in the valley.

Tornado in NEVADA, CALIFORNIA
From 22-OCT-12 16:28:00 to 22-OCT-12 16:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: WOLF
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The Lake of the Pines Tornado: Supercells developed behind the cold front along a north-south boundary in the middle of the Central Valley, where both instability and shear were large. The Fire Department reported a tornado touchdown at approximately 4:30pm (PST). The estimated damage path length was approximately 4 miles with wind speeds estimated at 90-100mph. The tornado touched down near highway 49 and Combie Rd and snapped tree trunks of 1 to 3 ft in diameter. Many trees were uprooted and a few power lines were blown over. Some buildings were also badly damaged in the area.

Tornado in SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
From 22-OCT-12 15:45:00 to 22-OCT-12 15:46:00 (PST-8)
Location: MC CONNELL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The Elk Grove Tornado: Supercells developed behind the cold front along a north-south boundary in the middle of the Central Valley, where both instability and shear were large. Reports of tornado damage were at approximately 3:45pm (PST) near Waterman and Grand Line Roads. The estimated damage path length was about a mile with wind speeds estimated at 90-100mph. A sturdy metal roof was bent back, tree trunks that were several feet in diameter were snapped. Dozens of houses were mildly damaged.

Tornado in YUBA, CALIFORNIA
From 22-OCT-12 15:10:00 to 22-OCT-12 15:11:00 (PST-8)
Location: BROWNS VLY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The Browns Valley Tornado: Supercells developed behind the cold front along a north-south boundary in the middle of the Central Valley, where both instability and shear were large. Law enforcement reported a brief tornado touchdown in a rice field. The estimated damage path length was about 100 ft to the northeast with wind speeds estimated at 70-80mph or less. No damage was associated with this tornado.

Tornado in SUTTER, CALIFORNIA
From 22-OCT-12 14:03:00 to 22-OCT-12 14:05:00 (PST-8)
Location: YUBA CITY SOUTH
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The Yuba City Tornado: Supercells developed behind the cold front along a north-south boundary in the middle of the Central Valley, where both instability and shear were large. The Sutter County Sheriff and Fire Department reported a tornado at approximately 2pm (PST), which was the first reported tornado of the day. The NWS storm survey team determined a touchdown at Mallard Lake Golf Center along Highway 99 just south of Yuba City. The tornado traveled northeast toward Oswald and Barry Roads and north along Railroad Ave. Estimated wind speeds were up to 100mph. The tornado snapped several trees at the golf course, damaged 30-40 small walnut and peach trees in a nearby orchard, lifted shingles on multiple homes, damaged a car port, blew down several fences, damaged several businesses, and lifted an outbuilding off its foundation and turned it upside down.

Winter Storm in MT SHASTA/WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
From 21-OCT-12 23:00:00 to 23-OCT-12 04:00:00 (PST-8)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Criteria is lower for the first storm of the season. Snow began at approximately midnight (PST) and increased to over 4 inches of snow by 7am (PST) at levels above 5000 ft. Snow levels were approximately 4500 ft, dropping to slightly below 4000 ft in local areas. Snowfall ended by early morning on October 23rd. Highest snow amounts at highest elevations were measured approximately 1-2 ft. Manzanita Lake (6000 ft) received approximately 5 of snow. Winds were 20-30 mph sustained with peak gusts over 50 mph at high elevation mountain passes.

Winter Storm in WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA, CALIFORNIA
From 21-OCT-12 23:00:00 to 23-OCT-12 04:00:00 (PST-8)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Criteria is lower for the first storm of the season. Snow began at approximately midnight (PST) and increased to over 4 inches of snow by 5am (PST) at levels above 5000 ft. Snow levels had dropped to approximately 4000 ft in local areas. Snowfall ended by early morning on October 23rd. Highest snow amounts at highest elevations were measured approximately 2-3 ft. Blue Canyon (5280 ft) received 17, Boreal Ski Resort received 24-28, Kingvale (6200 ft) received approximately 27 total, and Sugar Bowl Ski Resort received 21-28 ft. Winds were 20-30 mph sustained with peak gusts over 50 mph at high elevation mountain passes. One fatality occurred: A 14-year old boy froze to death due to winter storm exposure after getting lost during a hunting trip. The body was found approximately 3 miles west of Hermit Valley Campground, Alpine County, which is approximately 8 miles west of Ebbett's Pass and 22 miles south of Lake Tahoe.

Tornado in YUBA, CALIFORNIA
From 22-OCT-12 14:30:00 to 22-OCT-12 14:31:00 (PST-8)
Location: (MYV)MARYSVILLE ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Olivehurst Tornado: Supercells developed behind the cold front along a north-south boundary in the middle of the Central Valley, where both instability and shear were large. Emergency manager reported a tornado touchdown at approximately 2:30pm (PST). The estimated damage path length was a quarter mile with wind speeds estimated at 90-100mph. A sturdy roof on a wood frame building suffered significant damage. Metal roofs on several other industrial buildings were also badly damaged.