Tornado Spotted Monday in California!

news image
Special Stories
4 Jan 2021 8:31 AM
A strong storm system moved through Northern California on Monday, dropping through a strong enough cold front that produced a tornado!

Severe Outlook

Earlier today, Northern California was under a marginal risk (level 1, on a scale of 1 to 5) for severe storms.

Tornado Potential

As storms developed, there was enough spin in the atmosphere to produce some rotation in a thunderstorm. https://twitter.com/i/status/1346253370554785793

Forecast

As our cold front continues to push onshore, precipitation is expected to continue overnight. But most of the heavier storms will weaken, and most of the notable precipitation will fall as snow in the Sierra Nevadas and into Northern Utah and Northern Colorado.

Forecast Snowfall

Snowfall over the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges in Utah could be on the order of 5"-10" with locally higher amounts.  The same forecast holds for around Steamboat Springs, CO too. For more details on the snow chances in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and northern California we have another article write up here: More Snow to Add to Sierra Snowpack.
All Weather News
More
Severe Storms Target the Northeast Saturday

Severe Storms Target the Northeast Saturday

While smoke and heat have made headlines in t

18 Jul 2026 6:00 PM
Monsoon Moisture Brings Weekend Flood Threat

Monsoon Moisture Brings Weekend Flood Threat

The monsoon has returned to the southwestern

18 Jul 2026 5:40 PM
Watching the Gulf for Tropical Development

Watching the Gulf for Tropical Development

In the Atlantic basin, we are keeping a very

18 Jul 2026 5:00 PM
Thick Wildfire Smoke Continues to Pour Across the Great Lakes, East Coast

Thick Wildfire Smoke Continues to Pour Across the Great Lakes, East Coast

Wildfires burning in Northwestern Ontario, Ca

18 Jul 2026 1:45 AM
After Historic Flooding, Flood Risk Moves West Saturday

After Historic Flooding, Flood Risk Moves West Saturday

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY - Life-threatening floodin

18 Jul 2026 1:00 AM
Heat Alerts Across the Nation End Thursday

Heat Alerts Across the Nation End Thursday

ALL-TIME RECORD HIGHS were broken across the

16 Jul 2026 1:00 AM
Rare Enhanced Severe Threat For New England

Rare Enhanced Severe Threat For New England

WHAT TO EXPECT The SPC has issued a severe ou

15 Jul 2026 1:35 AM