California tornado warnings
There are no tornado warnings in California right now. The last one was issued on April 22, 2026.
A tornado has been seen or detected by radar, and the people inside the warning area should take shelter now.
Updated from the National Weather Service · lists refresh hourly; the live map loads current alerts directly from the NWS
Active tornado warnings in California
None right now. Other active alerts in California: 17 (see the California alerts page).
Tornado Warnings in California by year
California averaged 8.6 tornado warnings per year from 2016 to 2025, and has had 9 so far in 2026. The most recent was issued on April 22, 2026.
Counties with the most tornado warnings
What a tornado warning means
A tornado warning is the most urgent alert the National Weather Service issues for severe storms. It means a tornado is happening or is about to happen, either because a spotter or the public has seen one or because Doppler radar shows strong rotation that can produce one within minutes.
More about tornado warnings and the national map →
What to do
- Go to a basement or storm shelter right away. If you have none, use a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
- Protect your head and neck with your arms, a helmet, a mattress or heavy blankets.
- Leave mobile homes and vehicles for a sturdy building if you can reach one safely.
- Keep a phone or weather radio with you to know when the warning ends.