Event: April 1, 2025 Tornado
Location: 2 miles ENE of Salida in Stanislaus County, California Time: 2:13 – 2:15 PM PDT
Rating: EF-0
Peak Wind: 76 mph
A brief EF-0 tornado touched down at 2 ENE Salida at approximately 2:13 PM PDT and was on the ground for 0.9 miles until 2:15 PM PDT. The tornado moved through several orchards and 3 properties. Dozens of almond trees were uprooted and large tree branches were broken. Minor structure damage observed at the properties included a covered patio and roof material ripped off, a broken window, an outbuilding and metal fencing was displaced, and a large trailer was lifted and moved approximately 20 feet.
Path length of 0.9 miles. Estimated max wind of 76 mph. Estimated path width of 70 yards. The NWS damage survey was conducted in partnership with the Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services. We thank them for their assistance.
What was detected on radar? Was there a tornado warning in effect?
The radar at the time indicated a storm cell with weak rotation present. This is not uncommon and the vast majority of weakly rotating storms do not produce a tornado. A tornado warning was not in effect. The tornado was only on the ground for approximately 2 minutes.
Are tornadoes rare in California?
California actually averages 9 tornadoes a year. Most are weak, rated EF-U to EF-1, and occur in the Central Valley. The last confirmed tornado in NWS Sacramento’s forecast area occurred on January 3, 2025 in Tehama County.
