National Weather ServiceCaliforniaTornado WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Warnings in California
The National Weather Service issued 10 tornado warnings for California in 2025 and 8 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 35th most of any state. 2026 through September: 9, 30% above the average of 7 for those months in 2008-2025. Butte was covered most often (19 times since 2008).
How many tornado warnings does California get?
Every tornado warning that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 9 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2014 | 14 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2008 | 11 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does California get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in California?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butte | 19 | 2 | April 12, 2026 |
| Glenn | 16 | 0 | April 2, 2019 |
| Tehama | 16 | 2 | April 12, 2026 |
| Madera | 11 | 6 | April 21, 2026 |
| Merced | 11 | 7 | March 18, 2025 |
| Yuba | 11 | 1 | April 1, 2025 |
| Fresno | 10 | 6 | April 22, 2026 |
| Santa Barbara | 10 | 3 | February 17, 2026 |
| Mariposa | 9 | 4 | March 18, 2025 |
| Placer | 9 | 0 | September 13, 2017 |
| San Diego | 9 | 4 | February 6, 2024 |
| Nevada | 8 | 1 | April 1, 2025 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a tornado warning?
The NWS issues a tornado warning when a tornado has been seen or weather radar indicates one in the warned area. Warnings are drawn as polygons around the storm's path and usually last 30 to 60 minutes. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in California.