🌪️ Yesterday (December 26, 2025), California saw something you don't see every day: a rare tornado warning. The U.S. National Weather Service in San Francisco issued – and then lifted – a warning for parts of the Bay Area and Central Coast as an atmospheric river-driven storm unleashed flooding, high surf and heavy snow.
- 💧 Flood Watch extended through 10 p.m. Friday for rapid creek rises and localized flooding.
- 🌊 High Surf Advisory with waves topping 7.6 meters along the coast.
- ☔ Downtown Los Angeles logged 6.6 cm of rain on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the wettest in over five decades.
- ❄️ Sierra Nevada saw about 60 cm of new snow in 24 hours, researchers at UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab report.
Strong winds also caused damage at the historic Lick Observatory near San Jose, tearing part of its 137-year-old telescope dome. Meanwhile, Pacific Gas and Electric had over 5,500 workers on storm duty to tackle power outages.
⚠️ Experts warn that the biggest dangers still lie ahead: flash floods, debris flows and mudslides, especially in Southern California's steep hills. Winter storm alerts also continue in higher elevations across the Sierra and the interior West.
For now, Californians and visitors should stay weather-aware, monitor local alerts and avoid risky areas. Stay safe and dry! 🚗💨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
