Northern California tornado touches down briefly in Tehama County
A brief tornado touched down Sunday afternoon in a remote area of Northern California, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento.
Meteorologists determined that a tornado of unknown strength was on the ground for about one minute, from approximately 2:05 p.m. to 2:06 p.m. Sunday in Tehama County, based on video and radar evidence.
According to meteorologists, the tornado occurred about 4 miles southeast of Vina in a rural, unpopulated grassland area, about 15 miles north of Chico and about 100 miles north of Sacramento.
No damage or injuries were reported.
Video footage from AlertCalifornia PG&E cameras and social media helped confirm the brief touchdown, which was reviewed in coordination with the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, the weather service said.
The Enhanced Fujita scale classifies tornadoes from EF0 to EF5 based on estimated wind speeds and damage. An EF0 tornado has winds of 65-85 mph and typically causes minor damage, while an EF5 tornado exceeds 200 mph and can level well-built structures. Officials said the lack of damage in this case prevented a more precise rating, resulting in an EF-U, or unknown, classification.
“Based upon the fact that no damage or injuries were reported as a result of the tornado, there will not be a damage team sent to the area — as there is no damage to survey,” the weather service said in a statement. “The path width, path length and peak wind gusts are all unknown.”
Tornadoes are not uncommon in California, though they are typically weak and short-lived.
Between 1950 and 2024, there were 478 tornadoes recorded statewide, according to Golden Gate Weather Services, operated by meteorologist Jan Null. The majority — more than 400 — were rated EF0 or EF1.
In Tehama County, 11 tornadoes were recorded during that period, including six EF0, two EF2 and three classified as EF-U, or unknown strength.
This story was originally published April 12, 2026 at 4:31 PM with the headline "Northern California tornado touches down briefly in Tehama County."
