Tornado Warnings and Heavy Snow Blanket California

The National Weather Service issues conflicting weather alerts as severe storms and winter conditions collide in the state.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:39pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, white, and blue, depicting a vast, snowy expanse with only the faintest outlines of distant mountains visible through the heavy, swirling clouds. The scene conveys a sense of the overwhelming, sublime scale of the natural world in the face of extreme weather conditions.As California grapples with the simultaneous threat of severe thunderstorms and heavy snowfall, the state's natural landscapes are transformed by the raw power of the elements.Today in Sacramento

California faced dramatically different weather threats on Friday as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings in the Central Valley while also warning of heavy mountain snow and dangerous travel conditions in the Sierra Nevada. The overlapping warnings highlight a volatile spring forecast for the state, with atmospheric conditions supporting severe storms, including tornado potential, in the Central Valley, while winter storm conditions develop simultaneously in the higher elevations.

Why it matters

California is among the states with the least tornadoes per year, averaging around eight twisters annually. A significant winter storm this deep into the state's wet season is also a little unusual, underscoring the unpredictable and extreme weather patterns the state has been experiencing.

The details

The NWS office in Sacramento issued a tornado warning for east-central San Joaquin and northern Stanislaus Counties, though the warning was later allowed to expire as the storm weakened. Severe thunderstorm warnings remain in effect, with storms capable of producing quarter-size hail. Meanwhile, a winter storm warning remains intact for West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, with up to 48 inches of snow expected through late Sunday evening. Travel could be very difficult to impossible, with heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour.

  • At 2:42 p.m. local time, the NWS office in Sacramento issued a tornado warning for east-central San Joaquin and northern Stanislaus Counties.
  • The tornado warning was set to expire at 2:45 p.m.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for the United States.

Stephen McCoy

An NWS meteorologist who commented on the unusual late-season winter storm.

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What they’re saying

“We don't normally get a system this powerful this late in the season.”

— Stephen McCoy, NWS meteorologist

What’s next

The NWS will continue to monitor the situation and issue updates on the severe thunderstorm and winter storm conditions across California.

The takeaway

This extreme weather event highlights the unpredictable and volatile nature of California's climate, with the state facing the simultaneous threat of tornadoes and heavy snowfall. It underscores the need for residents to stay vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.