Tornado Touches Down In Fresno, Causing Widespread Damage

Tornado Touches Down In Fresno, Causing Widespread Damage...

A rare tornado struck Fresno, California, early Friday morning, leaving a trail of destruction across the city. The National Weather Service confirmed the EF-1 tornado touched down near downtown around 6:15 a.m., with winds reaching 110 mph. At least 12 homes were severely damaged, and power outages affected thousands.

The tornado uprooted trees, tore roofs off buildings, and flipped vehicles in its path. Fresno Fire Department reported multiple injuries, though none were life-threatening. Emergency crews are still assessing the full extent of the damage as daylight reveals the storm's impact.

This event is unusual for California's Central Valley, where tornadoes are infrequent. The storm system responsible also brought heavy rain and hail to the region overnight. Social media footage shows debris flying through the air as residents took shelter.

Local schools delayed openings, and officials urged drivers to avoid damaged areas. Pacific Gas & Electric crews are working to restore power to affected neighborhoods. The Red Cross has opened a temporary shelter at Fresno City College for displaced residents.

The tornado warning was issued just 15 minutes before impact, leaving little time for preparation. Meteorologists say the fast-developing storm caught many by surprise. Fresno County has declared a local emergency to access state resources for recovery efforts.

This marks the strongest tornado to hit Fresno since 1998. Climate scientists note that such extreme weather events are becoming more common in typically dry regions. The storm system is now moving east toward the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Residents are sharing harrowing accounts of the tornado's sudden arrival. "It sounded like a freight train," said Maria Gonzalez, whose carport was destroyed. Cleanup efforts will continue through the weekend as the community begins rebuilding.