Law enforcement observed a tornado over Biola, 9 miles west of Fresno, on Tuesday afternoon around 2:20 p.m. It was expected to be near Fresno and Bonadelle Ranchos-Madera Ranchos around 2:40 p.m.
When initially sighted, the tornado was moving northeast at 15 mph and was expected to cross Highway 99 south of Madera.
A tornado warning was in effect for portions of Fresno and Madera counties along Highway 99 on Tuesday afternoon. The warning lasts through 3 p.m., after being extended for 15 minutes. Caltrans cameras continued to look ominous around 2:45 p.m.
The National Weather Service advised people in the tornado’s path to take cover immediately.
“TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Motorists should not take shelter under highway overpasses. If you cannot safely drive away from the tornado, as a last resort, either park your vehicle and stay put, or abandon your vehicle and lie down in a low lying area and protect yourself from flying debris.”
Conditions remain right for isolated strong thunderstorms in the Central Valley through Tuesday evening. In an updated forecast, the NWS said a tornado or two was possible from roughly Yuba City to Fresno.
It’s the second consecutive week that a tornado touched down in the Central Valley: A short-lived tornado touched down in the Central Valley last week. Spring is the most common time of year for tornadoes in the Central Valley.
People residents can receive weather notifications in multiple ways:
Local TV and radio stations routinely share official weather service watches and warnings.