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 Heat Continues

Gulf Coast Heat Continues

Our stretch of record heat will persist throu

21 May 2025 3:00 AM
Southern California: Heat Advisories in Effect

Southern California: Heat Advisories in Effect

CALIFORNIA - The National Weather Service has

21 May 2025 3:00 AM
Severe Storms Move East Overnight

Severe Storms Move East Overnight

A strong area of low pressure and an associat

21 May 2025 2:55 AM
Flooding Threat Continues Across the Country

Flooding Threat Continues Across the Country

Showers and storms will rumble through midwee

21 May 2025 2:40 AM
Northeast Turns Cool & Soggy End Of Week

Northeast Turns Cool & Soggy End Of Week

An area of low pressure stalls later this wee

21 May 2025 2:30 AM
An Area to Watch in the Pacific Already

An Area to Watch in the Pacific Already

Hurricane Season has begun in the Eastern Pac

20 May 2025 5:40 PM
State of Emergency Declared for Greer Fire in Arizona

State of Emergency Declared for Greer Fire in Arizona

RIZONA - The Governor of Arizona has issued a

20 May 2025 5:30 PM