The National Weather Service warned parts of Central California on Thursday evening to brace for the potential of a tornado after a severe thunderstorm was spotted near South Dos Palos, about 25 miles west of Madera. At 5:59 p.m. ET, forecasters said the storm was capable of producing a tornado and could damage roofs, windows and vehicles.
A tornado warning in California was then issued for parts of southwestern Madera and Fresno counties, sending a blunt message to anyone in the storm’s path: take cover now. The Weather Service told people to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, and to get to the closest substantial shelter if they were outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle, while protecting themselves from flying debris.
By 6:15 p.m. ET, the storm had weakened and was downgraded to a severe thunderstorm warning. That quick shift is what made the alert notable in Central California, where such tornado warnings are rare, but it did not end the risk of rough weather. Forecasters said stormy conditions were expected to continue through the weekend across the region.
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For people in Madera and Fresno counties, the warning was over within minutes, but the storm system behind it was not. The immediate tornado threat faded Thursday evening, and the larger weekend weather pattern still leaves Central California facing more unsettled conditions ahead.
