First Tornado Warning on Record in San Francisco Issued Saturday

news image
Top Stories
16 Dec 2024 9:00 AM

UPDATE

Storm survey crews determined the damage during this Tornado Warning was caused by straight-line winds and not a tornado.


Residents in San Francisco had a rude awakening Saturday morning, thanks to the first ever tornado warning issued in the county and city. Tornado warnings have been issued just south in San Mateo county previously, but for San Francisco proper, this was a first on record.

The warning was issued right around 6 AM PST as a line of strong thunderstorms approached the coast. Rotation was evident on radar (above), potentially producing a waterspout offshore, before the area of rotation moved into San Francisco county, apparently just south of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The area of rotation tracked along the north side of San Francisco near the 101 and the Marina District, before dissipating in the Bay.

Another round of storms later in the day produced a tornado near Santa Cruz, causing damage.

More active weather is on the way for California next week and that could bring more heavy rain, snow and strong winds to the Golden State.

All Weather News
More
Gulf Coast Faces Flood Risk from Potential Tropical Cyclone One

Gulf Coast Faces Flood Risk from Potential Tropical Cyclone One

TEXAS - Heavy rain has already led to issues

16 Jun 2026 11:45 PM
PTC ONE: First Forecast Cone of the Atlantic Basin

PTC ONE: First Forecast Cone of the Atlantic Basin

Potential Tropical Cyclone OneThe National Hu

16 Jun 2026 11:35 PM
Rounds of Severe Weather This Week

Rounds of Severe Weather This Week

The Midwest, Great Lakes, and the Northeast h

16 Jun 2026 10:20 PM
Western Heat Wave Pushes into Work Week

Western Heat Wave Pushes into Work Week

Another ridge of high pressure is parked over

16 Jun 2026 8:00 PM
Welcome To Monsoon Season - Here's What to Expect

Welcome To Monsoon Season - Here's What to Expect

WELCOME TO THE NORTH AMERICAN MONSOON SEASON.

15 Jun 2026 8:00 PM
El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

El Niño has arrived! It didn't take long for

15 Jun 2026 8:00 AM
Confirmed Tornadoes in Ohio and Pennsylvania on Sunday

Confirmed Tornadoes in Ohio and Pennsylvania on Sunday

A cold front on Sunday brought severe weather

15 Jun 2026 1:50 AM