"Firenado" in California Last Week Produced 140 mph Winds

news image
Special Stories
2 Aug 2018 11:02 PM
The fire whirl in California Thursday, July 26 has been compared to an EF-3 tornado! https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento/status/1025125984465498112 During the evening of Thursday, July 26 the Carr Fire spread uncontrollably and erratically in Shasta County, California near Redding. A "fire whirl" developed where intense heat from wildfires swirls up whipping winds that looks much like a tornado. The whirl during that Thursday evening had estimated winds of 143 miles per hour!  Compare that wind speed to a tornado and you'll enter the rating of an EF-3! There were reports of many trees uprooted and even the bark of trees being ripped off. Imagine all of this happening within an ongoing wildfire. For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Steve Glazier
All Weather News
More
UPDATE: Hurricane Lala Approaches Hawaii Coast

UPDATE: Hurricane Lala Approaches Hawaii Coast

Lala is less than 70 miles from Hawaii. Recen

15 Aug 2026 9:30 PM
More Devastating Rain for the Midwest

More Devastating Rain for the Midwest

The Midwest can't catch a break! After a dama

15 Aug 2026 8:05 PM
Stifling Heat Slides East This Week

Stifling Heat Slides East This Week

A ridge of high pressure continues to dominat

15 Aug 2026 5:00 PM
Atlantic Tropics: Several Systems to Monitor

Atlantic Tropics: Several Systems to Monitor

The Atlantic basin still has a few areas to m

15 Aug 2026 4:00 PM
What to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th

What to Know About the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th

Get ready for one of the most spectacular dis

13 Aug 2026 10:00 AM
Repeated Severe Threat for the High Plains

Repeated Severe Threat for the High Plains

HIGH PLAINS - Tuesday proved to be an incredi

13 Aug 2026 1:30 AM
One of the Best Meteor Showers of the Year Peaks Tonight

One of the Best Meteor Showers of the Year Peaks Tonight

After the solar eclipse happens Wednesday aft

12 Aug 2026 2:20 PM