A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm down to the ground. While a concern in many parts of the United States, this weather phenomenon is uncommon in California. The state’s unique geography and atmospheric conditions largely inhibit the frequent formation of strong tornadoes, though they do occasionally occur.
Recent Tornado Events in California
California experiences a few tornadoes annually, averaging 9-11 per year. These events are typically weak, but can still cause localized damage. One recent occurrence was an EF1 tornado that struck Scotts Valley in Northern California on December 14, 2024. This twister flipped cars, downed power lines, and injured five.
Earlier in 2025, an EF0 tornado touched down in Pico Rivera, Los Angeles County, on March 13. This brief event, lasting two minutes with 85 mph winds, damaged homes and vehicles. The National Weather Service confirmed this as the strongest tornado in the Los Angeles metropolitan area since March 1983. Another tornado was reported in Tehama County in Northern California on January 4, 2025. In February 2025, a tornado caused damage at a mobile home park in Oxnard.
In March 2023, two notable tornadoes affected Southern California. An EF1 tornado with 110 mph winds damaged industrial buildings in Montebello, the strongest in the Los Angeles metro area in 40 years. An EF0 tornado with 75 mph winds also touched down in Carpinteria, damaging mobile homes.
Understanding California’s Tornado Climate
Tornadoes are less frequent in California compared to the central United States due to distinct meteorological and geographical factors. The state generally lacks the warm, moist tropical air masses that fuel strong thunderstorms necessary for tornado formation elsewhere. The cool California Current offshore also contributes to more stable atmospheric conditions, preventing intense atmospheric instability. California’s varied topography disrupts the large-scale wind patterns that facilitate tornado development.
Most tornadoes that occur in California are weak, typically rated EF0 or EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, and short-lived. Many of these are landspouts or cold-air funnels, which form differently from supercell tornadoes. Landspouts develop from the ground up, with growing cumulus clouds. Cold-air funnels are funnel clouds that rarely reach the ground and are associated with colder air aloft.
Tornadoes in California are most common in the Central Valley, the Los Angeles area, and the Southern California deserts. Peak season is winter and spring, with March seeing the most activity. Warm, tropical air can occasionally produce tornadoes in the deserts of Southern California during the summer months.
Identifying Tornadoes from Similar Phenomena
Waterspouts are rotating columns of air that form over water, connecting to a cloud. While some waterspouts are essentially tornadoes over water, others are “fair-weather” waterspouts that are weaker and do not originate from severe thunderstorms. A waterspout moving onto land is classified as a tornado.
Dust devils are swirling columns of air that form on hot, dry ground, often lifting dust or debris. Unlike tornadoes, dust devils are not connected to a thunderstorm and are much weaker and short-lived. Straight-line winds, capable of causing damage, involve air moving directly rather than rotating.
When encountering strong winds or a potential funnel cloud, seeking immediate shelter is important. Safest places are an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, away from windows. Do not attempt to outrun the phenomenon. If outdoors or in a car, seek a sturdy structure or lie down in a low-lying area away from vehicles, protecting your head.