Tornado Warning Issued for San Francisco: Google Alerts Residents Amid Severe Storms

Tornado Warning Issued for San Francisco

On Saturday morning, residents of San Francisco and parts of San Mateo counties were startled by a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). The alert urged people to take shelter immediately, advising them to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. At the time, the region was experiencing heavy rain and winds gusting up to 60 mph due to a powerful line of showers and thunderstorms.

The initial warning covered areas such as San Francisco, Daly City, and Broadmoor, with an expiration time of 6:20 a.m. However, by 6:07 a.m., the NWS confirmed the warning had been lifted, as the storm moved out of downtown San Francisco.

According to the NWS, the warning was prompted by a severe thunderstorm near Daly City, which showed signs of rotation on radar—indicating the potential for a tornado. The phenomenon, often associated with a "hook echo" on radar, is a key indicator of tornado formation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The storm was moving northeast at about 45 mph when the warning was issued. Additional areas, including Colma and Brisbane, were advised to remain on alert.

Residents in the affected areas were advised to stay inside and avoid windows, with the NWS also cautioning anyone outdoors or in vehicles to find shelter and protect themselves from flying debris. The warning highlighted the danger of flying debris, as well as potential damage to mobile homes, roofs, windows, and vehicles, with tree damage also expected.

In a move similar to the recent tsunami warning earlier this month, Google added a pop-up alert to the top of its pages to warn users of the tornado threat. This warning was removed around 6:20 a.m., following the NWS's announcement that the tornado warning had ended. However, a flood advisory remained in effect for San Francisco until 7:45 a.m.

Despite the brief nature of the tornado warning, it served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable weather patterns that can affect the Bay Area, even in regions not typically prone to tornadoes.