Tornado Warning Issued for Parts of California as Radar-Indicated Rotation Targets Los Angeles County Communities
CALIFORNIA — A Tornado Warning was issued Wednesday morning for parts of Los Angeles County, California, placing the cities of Alhambra, Monterey Park, and Rosemead under immediate threat as meteorologists detected radar-indicated rotation within a strong storm system moving through the region.
According to the warning details, the alert remains valid until 10:45 a.m. PST, with weather officials urging residents in the affected areas to take shelter immediately.
Radar-Indicated Tornado and Hail Threat Confirmed
Weather data accompanying the warning shows radar-confirmed tornado signatures, indicating rotation strong enough to potentially produce a tornado even if one has not yet been visually confirmed.
In addition to the tornado risk, the storm is also capable of producing pea-sized hail, which can damage vehicles, windows, and outdoor property.
Officials emphasized that tornadoes in Southern California, while less common than in the central U.S., can still develop rapidly during strong Pacific storm systems, especially when intense wind shear is present.
Communities Under Immediate Warning Area
The warning polygon shown in official maps covers several densely populated areas, including:
- Alhambra
- Monterey Park
- Rosemead
- Nearby portions of South Pasadena and surrounding Los Angeles County neighborhoods
Emergency planners estimate the potential exposure within the warned area includes:
- Population: Approximately 281,603 residents
- Schools: 61
- Hospitals: 6
Because of the high population density, officials stressed the importance of immediate protective action.
What Residents Should Do Right Now
Residents within the warning area are advised to:
- Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building
- Stay away from windows and exterior walls
- Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary
- Monitor official alerts from the National Weather Service and local emergency agencies
Those in vehicles should seek shelter in a nearby building if possible, as vehicles provide little protection from tornado-strength winds.
Southern California Storm System Continues to Produce Severe Weather
The tornado warning comes as part of a broader severe weather outbreak impacting Southern California, with strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds affecting multiple counties.
Meteorologists caution that additional warnings may be issued if storm conditions intensify or shift into nearby areas before the system weakens later in the day.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware until the warning expires and conditions improve.
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