Tornado Warning Issued Near Fresno As Severe Storm Threatens

A tornado warning was issued for parts of California's Central Valley near Fresno on Wednesday afternoon, triggering emergency alerts as a powerful storm system moved through the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed rotation in the storm cell, urging residents in Madera and Fresno Counties to seek immediate shelter.

The warning, active until 4:30 PM PDT, comes amid an unusually active spring storm season for California. Social media footage showed dark, rotating clouds near Highway 99, with local law enforcement reporting downed tree branches and minor debris. No injuries or major damage have been confirmed yet.

Fresno County Office of Emergency Services activated its alert system, directing residents to basements or interior rooms. Schools in Clovis and Kerman districts delayed dismissals as a precaution. Pacific Gas & Electric reported scattered power outages affecting over 1,200 customers.

The storm is part of a larger system bringing heavy rain and hail to Northern California. Meteorologists attribute the severe weather to a cold front colliding with warm, moist air from the south. Tornadoes are rare but not unheard of in the Central Valley, with the last significant event occurring near Modesto in 2021.

Local hospitals remain on standby, and Caltrans has dispatched crews to monitor road conditions. The NWS advises residents to avoid travel until the system passes. Updates are available through the agency's social media channels and weather.gov.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.