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
Tropical Depression One-E Forms in the Pacific

Tropical Depression One-E Forms in the Pacific

NEW: The first tropical depression of the Eas

2 Jun 2026 8:50 PM
Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Continues Across the South

SEVERE THREATThe Storm Prediction Center has

2 Jun 2026 8:10 PM
Border to Border Severe Threat Today

Border to Border Severe Threat Today

It's early June: it's hot, it's humid, it's g

2 Jun 2026 8:10 PM
Hurricane Prep Week 2026

Hurricane Prep Week 2026

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE!The Atlantic Hurrica

2 Jun 2026 8:00 PM
Big Hail Targets the Central Plains Today; More Storms on the Way

Big Hail Targets the Central Plains Today; More Storms on the Way

COLORADO - Severe warned storms have been mov

2 Jun 2026 2:05 AM
Wrapping Up Another Cool and Wet Weekend for the Northeast

Wrapping Up Another Cool and Wet Weekend for the Northeast

Clear skies provided perfect viewing conditio

31 May 2026 1:50 PM
Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwest

Severe Storms Possible in the Pacific Northwest

SET-UPAn upper low is sitting and spinning ov

29 May 2026 6:00 PM