‘Rare’ Tornadoes Reported During California Storm

Although tornadoes are not unheard of in the Golden State, they are rare, and the atmospheric river system provided the right conditions for them this week.

Two tornadoes struck San Luis Obispo County, Calif., on Feb. 7, 2023. Courtesy of National Weather Service Los Angeles

Two tornadoes damaged parts of San Luis Obispo County in Central California, and another funnel cloud formed near San Diego during the strong winter storm that brought record rainfall to the state this week, the National Weather Service confirmed Feb. 9.

Although tornadoes are not unheard of in the Golden State, they are rare, and the atmospheric river system provided the right conditions for them this week.