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On Tuesday at 2:37 p.m. the NWS Hanford CA issued an updated tornado warning in effect until 3 p.m. for Fresno and Madera counties.
“At 2:37 p.m., a confirmed tornado was located near Biola, or 8 miles northwest of Fresno, moving northeast at 15 mph,” says the NWS. “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”
The tornado is projected to possibly affect Fresno and Bonadelle Ranchos-Madera Ranchos around 2:40 p.m.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Friant.
Recommended action: Seek shelter
According to the NWS, “To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Motorists should not take shelter under highway overpasses. If you cannot safely drive away from the tornado, as a last resort, either park your vehicle and stay put, or abandon your vehicle and lie down in a low lying area and protect yourself from flying debris.”
This warning is in effect until 3 p.m.
Ways to protect yourself during a tornado
According to the NWS, acting quickly is key to staying safe during a tornado. Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.
- If you are indoors: In the event of a tornado warning, seek shelter in your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If possible, bring your pets along with you.
- If you are at your workplace or school: Follow your tornado drill protocol and make your way to the designated tornado shelter area. Maintain a safe distance from windows and avoid seeking refuge in large open rooms like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
- If you are outside: In case of an approaching tornado, quickly seek shelter inside a safe building. Keep in mind that sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe options.
- If you are in a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
Have you put together an emergency kit for tornado scenarios?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends keeping the following items in a basic disaster supplies kit:
- Water, one gallon per person for at least three days
- Food, at least a three-day supply
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit
- Whistle
- Dust mask to filter contaminated air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape, for shelter purposes
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
Source: The National Weather Service
United Robots California
This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 2:23 PM.
