Tornado Touches Down Near Fresno, Causing Damage And Power Outages
Tornado Touches Down Near Fresno, Causing Damage And Power Outages...
A rare tornado struck near Fresno, California, on Thursday afternoon, causing significant damage to structures and leaving thousands without power. The National Weather Service confirmed the EF-1 tornado touched down around 3:15 p.m. PDT near the town of Kerman, about 15 miles west of Fresno.
Local authorities reported downed trees, damaged roofs, and overturned vehicles in the tornado's path. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) said over 5,000 customers lost power, with crews working overnight to restore service. No serious injuries have been reported.
The tornado formed during an unusual spring storm system moving through Central California. Meteorologists noted the region rarely experiences tornadoes, with only 47 recorded in Fresno County since 1950. Social media footage showed the funnel cloud swirling near agricultural fields.
Fresno County officials have opened an emergency operations center to assess damage. Residents are urged to avoid downed power lines and report structural damage to local authorities. The tornado comes amid heightened severe weather awareness after deadly storms hit the Midwest earlier this month.
This event is trending nationally due to its rarity in California and potential climate change implications. Scientists warn that warming temperatures may increase extreme weather events in typically dry regions. The last significant tornado in the area occurred in 2018 near Dos Palos.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation. State emergency services are on standby if local resources become overwhelmed. The Red Cross is preparing shelters in case additional storms force evacuations overnight.
Weather forecasts predict more thunderstorms through Friday, with possible hail and strong winds. Residents should monitor emergency alerts and have preparedness kits ready. The National Weather Service will conduct a full damage survey Friday to determine the tornado's exact strength and path.
