Tornado touches down near Fresno as severe thunderstorms move through region, law enforcement says

FRESNO, Calif. — The National Weather Service says law enforcement has confirmed that a tornado has touched down near Biola, 8 miles west of Fresno at 2:37 p.m. on Tuesday

A tornado warning has been issued until 3 p.m. for Madera and Fresno counties and is moving northeast at 15 miles per hour.

It is currently heading towards Fresno and Bonadelle Ranchos-Madera Ranchos, including the Friant area.

They do warn that this is a damaging tornado with flying debris. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. H

NWS recommends taking shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

Clovis Unified has confirmed that all schools in the district are under a shelter-in-place due to a region-wide tornado alert issued by the National Weather Service.

The statement put out by the district goes on to read:

“If a school has not already been released for end-of-school-day student pickup, students will be held in their classrooms until further notice, and schools will not release students until further notice. Bus schedules are delayed until the end of this regional weather warning, at which time we will communicate with families.”

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Strong to severe storms are possible Tuesday afternoon for portions of the Central Valley.

The Storm Prediction Center has put Fresno, Madera and Merced Counties in a marginal risk for isolated severe storms.

Residents should expect most storm activity to last through 7 p.m. this evening.

Funnel clouds are possible along with thunder, lightning, gusty winds, small hail and more.

Locations at higher elevations, including Yosemite National Park and China Peak Ski Resort, are also receiving fresh snow due to the storm.