Tornado Touches Down Near Fresno, Causing Widespread Damage
Tornado Touches Down Near Fresno, Causing Widespread Damage...
A rare tornado struck near Fresno, California, on Monday afternoon, leaving a trail of damage and prompting emergency responses. The twister touched down around 3:15 p.m. PDT near the town of Kerman, about 15 miles west of Fresno, uprooting trees, damaging roofs, and overturning vehicles. No fatalities have been reported, but at least a dozen minor injuries were confirmed by local authorities.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado warning shortly before the storm hit, urging residents to take shelter. Eyewitnesses described a dark funnel cloud moving rapidly across farmland before dissipating near Highway 180. The storm system also brought heavy rain and hail, complicating cleanup efforts.
This event is unusual for California’s Central Valley, where tornadoes are infrequent but not unheard of. The NWS confirmed it will conduct a damage survey Tuesday to determine the tornado’s strength, likely rating it an EF-1 or EF-2. Fresno County officials declared a local emergency, mobilizing crews to assess infrastructure damage.
Social media footage showed downed power lines, shattered windows, and debris strewn across roads. Pacific Gas & Electric reported over 5,000 customers lost power, with restoration expected by late Tuesday. The Red Cross opened a temporary shelter for displaced residents.
The tornado is trending nationally due to its rarity in California and the dramatic visuals circulating online. Meteorologists attribute the severe weather to an unstable air mass colliding with a Pacific storm front. More thunderstorms are forecast for the region through Wednesday, raising concerns about additional disruptions.
Local schools canceled afternoon activities, and Fresno Yosemite International Airport briefly halted flights. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said state resources are on standby if needed. Residents are advised to monitor weather alerts and avoid storm-damaged areas.
