Tornado Warning Remains in Effect for San Mateo County and Santa Cruz County, California as Radar-Indicated Rotation Triggers Rare Bay Area Alert
CALIFORNIA — A Tornado Warning remains active for portions of San Mateo County and Santa Cruz County as the National Weather Service warns of radar-indicated rotation capable of producing a tornado near the central California coastline. The warning is currently valid until 4:15 PM PST Monday, January 5, 2026.
According to warning data, the affected area is primarily rural, but officials stress that any tornado threat in coastal California is taken seriously, given how uncommon such events are in the region. The warning polygon highlights parts of southern San Mateo County and northern Santa Cruz County, including areas near La Honda, Pescadero, and inland coastal hills.
What Triggered the Tornado Warning
Meteorologists issued the warning after Doppler radar detected circulation strong enough to indicate possible tornado development. While no confirmed tornado touchdown has been reported at this time, the presence of organized rotation prompted forecasters to act out of caution.
The National Weather Service emphasized that this is a radar-indicated tornado, meaning rotation is evident within the storm even if a funnel has not yet been observed on the ground.
Threat Details and Expected Hazards
The warning information outlines the following threats:
- Tornado: Radar indicated
- Hail: No hail expected
- Primary risk: Brief tornado, strong localized winds, and sudden changes in conditions
Gusty winds associated with the storm could also cause downed branches, minor structural damage, and power interruptions, especially in exposed coastal and hillside locations.
Population and Infrastructure Exposure
Forecast data shows the warning area includes a small population footprint, estimated at roughly 40 residents, with no schools or hospitals directly within the warned zone. Despite the limited exposure, officials urge anyone in or near the warning area to take immediate precautions.
Because storms in coastal California can move quickly and visibility may be limited by rain or terrain, residents are advised not to rely on visual confirmation alone.
What Residents Should Do Now
Anyone within the warned area should:
- Move indoors immediately
- Stay away from windows and exterior walls
- Take shelter in a small interior room on the lowest level possible
- Avoid traveling until the warning expires
Even short-lived tornadoes can cause injury or damage, particularly in areas not designed for tornadic winds.
Why This Warning Is Unusual for California
Tornado warnings are rare in the Bay Area, but they can occur when strong Pacific storm systems interact with unstable air and localized wind shear. While most California tornadoes are weak and short-lived, they are still capable of causing damage and pose a serious safety risk.
Meteorologists note that winter storms along the West Coast can occasionally produce brief, fast-moving tornadoes or waterspouts, especially near coastal zones.
Warning Set to Expire at 4:15 PM PST
The Tornado Warning is scheduled to expire at 4:15 PM PST, though it may be extended, canceled, or updated depending on storm evolution. Residents are urged to continue monitoring official weather alerts and remain weather-aware until the threat fully passes.
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