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
Blizzard Warnings Issued for the Northern U.S.

Blizzard Warnings Issued for the Northern U.S.

A low-pressure system blowing through the Hig

26 Nov 2025 3:00 AM
Severe Weather Wrapping Up in The Southeast

Severe Weather Wrapping Up in The Southeast

Tuesday's storms brought damage to some of th

26 Nov 2025 2:55 AM
Moisture and Lake Effect Snow for the Northeast

Moisture and Lake Effect Snow for the Northeast

A low-pressure system currently moving throug

26 Nov 2025 2:45 AM
A Record Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Week Expected

A Record Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Week Expected

It is that time of year again—when millions o

26 Nov 2025 2:40 AM
NWS Houston Confirms Two Tornadoes from Monday's Storms

NWS Houston Confirms Two Tornadoes from Monday's Storms

Areas in southeast Houston quickly took cover

25 Nov 2025 11:35 PM
Hurricane Melissa Produces Strongest Gust Recorded in a Hurricane

Hurricane Melissa Produces Strongest Gust Recorded in a Hurricane

Hurricane Melissa was a devastating category

23 Nov 2025 3:25 PM
Four Corners Expecting More Flooding Rain, Mountain Snow

Four Corners Expecting More Flooding Rain, Mountain Snow

A cut-off low will be moving out of southern

23 Nov 2025 3:20 AM