National Weather Service announcements

First-Ever Tornado Warning Issued for San Francisco Amid Level 3 Storm; Warning Ends After 20 Minutes

Dec 14, 2024, 02:28 PM

A rare tornado warning was issued for San Francisco and surrounding areas early this morning as a Level 3 storm moved through the region. The National Weather Service issued the radar-based warning at approximately 5:53 AM PST, marking the first time a tornado warning has ever been issued for the city, according to officials. The warning, which lasted about 20 minutes, included areas such as Daly City and Broadmoor and was prompted by a squall line with intense rain, wind gusts up to 80 mph, and the potential for waterspouts approaching the coast. A special marine warning was also issued for San Francisco and the Inner Bay. The tornado threat ended around 6:10 AM PST as the storm moved northeast of downtown San Francisco. A flood advisory remains in effect until 7:45 AM PST. Residents were advised to take shelter during the warning, with phones across the city blaring the alert.