Tornado Touches Down in Tehama County

A rare tornado touched down in Tehama County, Northern California, on Friday, January 3, 2025, near Paynes Creek, prompting a tornado warning for both Tehama and Shasta counties. The tornado was spotted around 5:22 p.m. and recorded by webcams, with reports indicating it moved northeast at approximately 20 miles per hour and was accompanied by quarter-sized hail. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or significant damage as the tornado occurred in an unpopulated area. The National Weather Service (NWS) is analyzing the tornado's strength and the extent of any damage, with results expected soon. This tornado marks one of the first of the season in California, highlighting the unusual winter storm activity affecting the region. As weather conditions stabilize, the area is expected to experience clearer skies over the weekend.