Tornado Touches Down Near Fresno, Causing Damage And Power Outages

A rare tornado struck near Fresno, California, on Tuesday afternoon, damaging structures, uprooting trees, and leaving thousands without power. The National Weather Service confirmed the EF-1 tornado touched down southwest of the city around 3:15 p.m., with winds reaching 110 mph. The storm system is part of an unusual spring weather pattern affecting Central California.

Local officials reported at least a dozen homes and businesses sustained roof damage, while downed power lines left over 5,000 PG&E customers in the dark. No serious injuries have been reported, though emergency crews responded to multiple calls for fallen trees blocking roads. The tornado's path stretched nearly 2 miles through agricultural land before dissipating.

Residents shared dramatic footage on social media showing the funnel cloud forming near Highway 99. "It sounded like a freight train coming through," said Madera County resident Luis Hernandez, whose barn sustained damage. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office urged people to avoid the affected areas as cleanup efforts began Tuesday evening.

Meteorologists noted tornadoes are exceptionally rare in California's Central Valley, with only 47 recorded since 1950. The storm developed from an unstable air mass following record April rainfall in the region. The NWS issued tornado warnings again Wednesday morning as the system moved northeast toward the Sierra foothills.

Pacific Gas & Electric crews worked overnight to restore electricity, with most customers expected to have power back by Wednesday afternoon. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office said state emergency officials are monitoring the situation. The tornado comes just weeks after severe flooding hit parts of the same region.

Local schools delayed openings Wednesday as officials assessed damage. Farmers reported significant losses to early-season crops, particularly almonds and stone fruit. The Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner's office plans to survey the damage later this week.

The tornado marks California's third confirmed twister of 2026, matching the annual average in just four months. Climate scientists warn that warming ocean temperatures may increase the frequency of such extreme weather events in typically dry regions. Fresno last saw tornado damage in 2018 when an EF-0 twister caused minor property damage.