FRESNO, Calif. — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an urgent tornado warning for parts of Fresno and Madera counties, confirming a damaging twister is currently on the ground just northwest of the city.
This is a developing story. Updates may follow.
What Just Happened
Law enforcement officials visually confirmed a tornado touched down near the community of Biola, located approximately 8 miles northwest of downtown Fresno, at approximately 2:30 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday afternoon . The NWS office in Hanford immediately issued a rare, strongly worded alert for the Central Valley region, warning that flying debris posed a "serious danger" to anyone caught without shelter. The alert explicitly commanded residents: "To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW!"
Where It Happened
The warning area currently covers south-central Madera County and northwestern Fresno County. Radar and spotter reports indicate the tornado is moving northeast at a speed of roughly 15 mph. Forecasters project the storm track will push it near populated areas including Fresno, Bonadelle Ranchos–Madera Ranchos, and the community of Friant within the hour . While California is not traditionally part of "Tornado Alley," rotating supercell thunderstorms associated with a lingering winter weather system have created a volatile atmosphere in the San Joaquin Valley.
What Officials Said
The NWS did not mince words in their emergency messaging. The alert warns residents to abandon mobile homes and vehicles immediately. "Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building," the statement read. "Avoid windows." Officials have explicitly warned motorists not to seek refuge under highway overpasses, noting that wind speeds can actually increase in these confined spaces, elevating the risk of fatal debris strikes . The combination of the tornado and heavy rainfall also presents a flash flood risk for local roadways.
Current Situation
Emergency management teams are actively monitoring the storm as it churns through an agricultural and suburban corridor. The severe weather is part of a larger system battering Central California, where higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada are simultaneously bracing for up to 24 inches of heavy snow. This has created a logistical challenge for first responders who are preparing for both tornado damage assessments in the valley and potential avalanche or whiteout conditions in the mountains.
Impact on People
The immediate threat is structural damage to homes and businesses, particularly to roofs, windows, and vehicles in the storm's path. Authorities stress that the greatest risk to life is not the wind itself, but the debris accelerated by the wind. Anyone still outdoors or in a vehicle in the warned area is urged to abandon their car only as a last resort—if no sturdy building is available—and lie flat in a low-lying ditch or culvert while covering their head. Power outages are also expected as the storm tangles with power lines.
What Happens Next
The current tornado warning remains in effect until at least 3:00 PM PDT, though it could be extended if the storm maintains its rotation. Once the immediate vortex passes, the region will remain under a severe thunderstorm watch with ongoing risks of damaging straight-line winds and heavy rain. Utility crews and local fire departments are staging resources to begin rapid damage assessments and power restoration efforts as soon as it is safe to do so.
Conclusion
This event marks a significant and rare weather emergency for the Fresno metro area. The NWS reminds residents that a Tornado Warning is distinct from a Watch; a Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar and immediate action is required to save lives. Those in the path should remain sheltered in place until local authorities give the all-clear signal.
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