See where California has red flag, atmospheric river flood or extreme heat warnings in effect today
29 activeHigh Wind WarningCentral Siskiyou CountyUntil Nov 13, 1:00 PM PST
High Wind Warning issued November 12 at 12:03AM PST until November 13 at 1:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
California
Winter Storm WarningGreater Lake Tahoe Area; Greater Lake Tahoe AreaUntil Nov 14, 10:00 AM PST
Winter Storm Warning issued November 12 at 12:33AM PST until November 14 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Reno NV
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
California, Nevada
Winter Storm WarningMonoUntil Nov 14, 10:00 AM PST
Winter Storm Warning issued November 12 at 12:33AM PST until November 14 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Reno NV
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
California
Winter Storm WarningLassen Volcanic National Park; Sierra Nevada of Sierra-Nevada-Placer Counties Above 5000 ft Including Interstate 80; Sierra Nevada of El Dorado-Amador-Northern Alpine Counties Above 5000 ft Including Highway 50; Sierra Nevada of Calaveras-Tuolumne-Southern Alpine Counties Above 5000 ftUntil Nov 14, 10:00 AM PST
Winter Storm Warning issued November 12 at 12:05AM PST until November 14 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
Check the latest road conditions from Caltrans online at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or dial 5 1 1.
California
Winter Storm WarningEastern Sierra Slopes of Inyo CountyUntil Nov 14, 4:00 PM PST
Winter Storm Warning issued November 11 at 11:43PM PST until November 14 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Las Vegas NV
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
California
High Surf WarningCoastal Del Norte; Northern Coastal HumboldtUntil Nov 15, 4:00 AM PST
High Surf Warning issued November 11 at 5:32AM PST until November 15 at 4:00AM PST by NWS Eureka CA
Large breaking waves along the coast will lead to increased wave run-up on beaches with waves topping and washing over large rocks and jetties. These large waves can be erratic and unpredictable. Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water. Mariners traversing the bar are urged to exercise extreme caution or stay in port until the threat subsides. Please contact the U.S. Coast Guard for information regarding harbor and bar closures.
California
High Surf WarningSouthwestern Humboldt; Coastal MendocinoUntil Nov 15, 4:00 AM PST
High Surf Warning issued November 11 at 5:32AM PST until November 15 at 4:00AM PST by NWS Eureka CA
Large breaking waves along the coast will lead to increased wave run-up on beaches with waves topping and washing over large rocks and jetties. These large waves can be erratic and unpredictable. Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water. Mariners traversing the bar are urged to exercise extreme caution or stay in port until the threat subsides. Please contact the U.S. Coast Guard for information regarding harbor and bar closures.
California
High Surf WarningSan Francisco; Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur CoastUntil Nov 15, 4:00 AM PST
High Surf Warning issued November 11 at 10:48PM PST until November 15 at 4:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Monitor local weather, surf and tide forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr.
California
High Surf WarningCoastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore; San Francisco Peninsula Coast; Northern Monterey BayUntil Nov 15, 4:00 AM PST
High Surf Warning issued November 11 at 10:48PM PST until November 15 at 4:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Monitor local weather, surf and tide forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr.
California
High Wind WatchSurprise Valley California; Northern Washoe CountyUntil Nov 13, 10:00 PM PST
High Wind Watch issued November 11 at 11:52AM PST until November 13 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Reno NV
Now is the time to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage.
California, Nevada
Coastal Flood WatchSan Luis Obispo County Beaches; Santa Barbara County Central Coast BeachesUntil Nov 14, 3:00 PM PST
Coastal Flood Watch issued November 11 at 6:06PM PST until November 14 at 3:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Plan for extra travel time as some roads may be closed. Remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.
California
Winter Storm WatchYosemite NP outside of the valley; Upper San Joaquin River; Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge; Kings Canyon NP; Grant Grove Area; Sequoia NPUntil Nov 17, 4:00 AM PST
Winter Storm Watch issued November 11 at 5:33PM PST until November 17 at 4:00AM PST by NWS Hanford CA
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
California
Wind AdvisoryCentral Siskiyou CountyUntil Nov 12, 10:00 PM PST
Wind Advisory issued November 12 at 12:03AM PST until November 12 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
California
Lake Wind AdvisoryWest Side Mountains north of 198Until Nov 12, 11:00 PM PST
Lake Wind Advisory issued November 11 at 5:32PM PST until November 12 at 11:00PM PST by NWS Hanford CA
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
California
Lake Wind AdvisoryGreater Lake Tahoe Area; Greater Lake Tahoe AreaUntil Nov 13, 10:00 AM PST
Lake Wind Advisory issued November 11 at 11:52AM PST until November 13 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Reno NV
Check lake conditions before heading out and be prepared for a sudden increase in winds and wave heights. Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.
California, Nevada
Wind AdvisoryCoastal Del NorteUntil Nov 13, 1:00 PM PST
Wind Advisory issued November 11 at 10:40PM PST until November 13 at 1:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects.
California
Wind AdvisoryInterior Del Norte; Northern Coastal Humboldt; Southwestern Humboldt; Northeastern Interior Humboldt; Southeastern Interior HumboldtUntil Nov 13, 1:00 PM PST
Wind Advisory issued November 11 at 10:40PM PST until November 13 at 1:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects.
California
Wind AdvisoryOwens Valley NorthUntil Nov 13, 4:00 PM PST
Wind Advisory issued November 12 at 12:05AM PST until November 13 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Las Vegas NV
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
California
Wind AdvisoryNortheast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties; Modoc County; Klamath Basin; Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County; Central and Eastern Lake CountyUntil Nov 13, 4:00 PM PST
Wind Advisory issued November 12 at 12:03AM PST until November 13 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
California, Oregon
Coastal Flood AdvisorySan Francisco; Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur CoastUntil Nov 13, 4:00 PM PST
Coastal Flood Advisory issued November 11 at 10:48PM PST until November 13 at 4:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Monitor local weather, surf and tide forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr.
California
Coastal Flood AdvisoryNorth Bay Interior Valleys; San Francisco Bay ShorelineUntil Nov 13, 4:00 PM PST
Coastal Flood Advisory issued November 11 at 10:48PM PST until November 13 at 4:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.
California
Wind AdvisorySouth-Central Shasta County Including Redding Metro; Northern Sacramento Valley in Tehama County; Central Glenn County Including Interstate 5; Eastern Glenn County; Butte County Below 1000 ftUntil Nov 13, 7:00 PM PST
Wind Advisory issued November 11 at 11:54AM PST until November 13 at 7:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
California
Wind AdvisoryLassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties; Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden AreaUntil Nov 13, 10:00 PM PST
Wind Advisory issued November 11 at 11:52AM PST until November 13 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Reno NV
Now is the time to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage.
California, Nevada
Wind AdvisoryIndian Wells Valley; Mojave Desert Slopes; Mojave DesertUntil Nov 14, 7:00 AM PST
Wind Advisory issued November 11 at 5:32PM PST until November 14 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Hanford CA
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
California
Wind AdvisoryDeath Valley National Park; Western Mojave DesertUntil Nov 14, 10:00 AM PST
Wind Advisory issued November 12 at 12:05AM PST until November 14 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Las Vegas NV
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects.
California
Lake Wind AdvisoryKern River ValleyUntil Nov 14, 10:00 AM PST
Lake Wind Advisory issued November 11 at 5:32PM PST until November 14 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Hanford CA
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
California
Coastal Flood AdvisorySan Francisco; Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur CoastUntil Nov 14, 6:00 PM PST
Coastal Flood Advisory issued November 11 at 10:48PM PST until November 14 at 6:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Monitor local weather, surf and tide forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr.
California
Coastal Flood AdvisoryCoastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore; San Francisco Peninsula Coast; Northern Monterey BayUntil Nov 14, 6:00 PM PST
Coastal Flood Advisory issued November 11 at 10:48PM PST until November 14 at 6:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Monitor local weather, surf and tide forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr.
California
High Surf AdvisorySan Luis Obispo County Beaches; Santa Barbara County Central Coast BeachesUntil Nov 16, 12:00 PM PST
High Surf Advisory issued November 11 at 6:06PM PST until November 16 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Plan for extra travel time as some roads may be closed. Remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.
California
No alerts match these filters.
What to do
Steps for the hazards currently alerted in California.
Get ready
Now
Check 511 for traffic, road conditions and restrictions before you leave, and share your timetable and your primary and alternate routes. In a winter storm warning, delay travel until conditions improve.
Source: NWS: Before a winter stormA wind chill warning means dangerously low wind chill is expected, which can cause frostbite and hypothermia. Avoid going outdoors if possible.
Source: NWS: Winter watches, warnings and advisories Full guide →The NWS says high winds can blow objects around and pose a significant threat to your safety.
Source: NWS: High windIf you are in a flood-prone or low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately when water starts to rise.
Source: NWS: During a flood
Decide
If conditions worsen
In a blizzard warning, do not travel. If travel is unavoidable, carry a winter survival kit. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help.
Source: NWS: Winter watches, warnings and advisories Full guide →Evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. If told to leave, go right away. Follow orders from local emergency management.
Source: NWS: During a flood
Ride it out
During
Wear layers of loose, lightweight, warm clothing. If the heat goes out, close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels in door cracks, and eat and drink to fuel your body's heat production.
Source: NWS: During a winter storm Full guide →The NWS notes that winds sustained at 40 to 50 mph can cause isolated wind damage. Follow your local NWS office for instructions.
Source: NWS: High windIt is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, and twelve inches of rushing water can carry away most cars. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road.
Source: NWS: Turn Around Don't DrownStay in the vehicle and run the engine about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Open a window slightly and keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide.
Source: NWS: During a winter storm Full guide →
Recover
After, once it is safe
Stay clear of fallen power lines and report them to the electric company.
Source: CDC: Returning Home After a Natural DisasterStay out of floodwater and do not drive through flooded areas. Return home only when local authorities say it is safe.
Source: CDC: Returning Home After a Natural DisasterNever use a generator inside your home or garage, even with doors and windows open. Run it only outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents.
Source: CDC: Carbon monoxide
California counties with active weather alerts
40 counties have at least one National Weather Service alert in effect. An alert that covers several counties is counted in each.
| County | Active alerts | Warnings | Alert types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine County | 3 | 2 | Winter Storm Warning, Lake Wind Advisory |
| El Dorado County | 3 | 2 | Winter Storm Warning, Lake Wind Advisory |
| Humboldt County | 3 | 2 | High Surf Warning, Wind Advisory |
| Nevada County | 3 | 2 | Winter Storm Warning, Lake Wind Advisory |
| Placer County | 3 | 2 | Winter Storm Warning, Lake Wind Advisory |
| Del Norte County | 3 | 1 | High Surf Warning, Wind Advisory |
| Inyo County | 3 | 1 | Winter Storm Warning, Wind Advisory |
| Marin County | 3 | 1 | High Surf Warning, Coastal Flood Advisory |
| Monterey County | 3 | 1 | High Surf Warning, Coastal Flood Advisory |
| San Francisco County | 3 | 1 | High Surf Warning, Coastal Flood Advisory |
| San Mateo County | 3 | 1 | High Surf Warning, Coastal Flood Advisory |
| Siskiyou County | 3 | 1 | High Wind Warning, Wind Advisory |
| Sonoma County | 3 | 1 | High Surf Warning, Coastal Flood Advisory |
| Lassen County | 2 | 1 | Winter Storm Warning, Wind Advisory |
| Plumas County | 2 | 1 | Winter Storm Warning, Wind Advisory |
| Santa Cruz County | 2 | 1 | High Surf Warning, Coastal Flood Advisory |
| Shasta County | 2 | 1 | Winter Storm Warning, Wind Advisory |
| Sierra County | 2 | 1 | Winter Storm Warning, Wind Advisory |
| Tehama County | 2 | 1 | Winter Storm Warning, Wind Advisory |
| Tuolumne County | 2 | 1 | Winter Storm Warning, Winter Storm Watch |
Showing the 20 counties with the most warnings. 20 more are in the alert list above. Counties are listed by the National Weather Service alert areas. What watches, warnings and advisories mean →
California severe weather alerts by type
What each kind of alert means and where to see it for California.
California tornado watches and warnings
None active in California right now. A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible.
California severe thunderstorm watches and warnings
None active in California right now. A severe thunderstorm has winds of 58 mph or higher, hail 1 inch across or larger, or both.
California flood watches and flash flood warnings
None active in California right now. A flood watch means flooding is possible.
California winter storm, ice storm, snow and blizzard warnings
5 active in California right now. Winter alerts run from a watch (possible within about 48 hours) to a warning (occurring or imminent) and an advisory for less serious but still inconvenient conditions.
California heat advisories and extreme heat warnings
None active in California right now. A heat advisory is the lower level and an extreme heat warning the higher level; both based on the heat index.
California wind advisories and high wind warnings
14 active in California right now. A wind advisory is for strong winds; a high wind warning is for damaging winds.
California red flag warnings
None active in California right now. A Red Flag Warning means dangerous fire weather is expected, usually a mix of low humidity, wind and dry fuels.
California tornado history: last tornado, strongest and worst on record
From the NOAA Storm Prediction Center database, 1950 through 2025.
California has 486 tornadoes on record, about 6 a year, and 198 of them since 2000. That ranks California number 31 among the 50 states by count. 2 were rated EF3 or stronger. They caused 97 injuries and no recorded deaths.
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 6 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
Most California tornadoes have come from February through April. The single busiest month is March (18% of the total).
Counts use each tornado's starting state. Ratings before 2007 use the original Fujita scale. The database ends in 2025, so more recent tornadoes are not included.
California flood map and flood warnings
No flood watch or warning is active in California right now. Flood zones are mapped by FEMA street by street. FEMA's Flood Map Service Center lets you search an address and see its flood zone.
California storm tracker: storms and events
No tracked events involve California right now.
Official sources for California
California emergency managementFEMA: state and local emergency managementNWS Eureka, CA: warnings and local alertsNWS San Joaquin Valley, CA: warnings and local alertsNWS Los Angeles, CA: warnings and local alertsNWS Medford, OR: warnings and local alertsNWS San Francisco Bay Area, CA: warnings and local alertsNWS Phoenix: warnings and local alertsNWS Reno, NV: warnings and local alertsNWS San Diego, CA: warnings and local alertsNWS Sacramento, CA: warnings and local alertsNWS Las Vegas, NV: warnings and local alertsNWS safety guidesCommon questions
Is there a tornado warning, winter storm warning or other weather warning in California right now?
Right now California has 0 tornado alerts and 5 winter storm alerts. The most serious active alert is High Wind Warning, in effect for Central Siskiyou County. It is listed until Nov 13, 1:00 PM PST. Source: National Weather Service.
Which California counties have weather alerts right now?
40 California counties have at least one active National Weather Service alert. The most affected: Alpine County (3 alerts, 2 warnings: Winter Storm Warning, Lake Wind Advisory); El Dorado County (3 alerts, 2 warnings: Winter Storm Warning, Lake Wind Advisory); Humboldt County (3 alerts, 2 warnings: High Surf Warning, Wind Advisory). The full table is on this page and updates every 15 minutes.
When was the last tornado in California, and how many have there been since 2000?
The most recent tornado in the NOAA Storm Prediction Center database for California is April 1, 2025, rated EF0. The database lists 198 California tornadoes since 2000 and 486 since 1950. It runs through 2025, so it does not include later tornadoes.
What is the strongest tornado in California history?
By rating, the strongest in the record is August 16, 1973, rated EF3. Ratings before 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
How does California rank for tornadoes among the states?
California ranks 31st of 50 states by the number of tornadoes since 1950: 486 in all, about 6 a year. 2 were rated EF3 or stronger. They caused 0 deaths and 97 injuries, and the busiest year was 2005 with 30. Each tornado is counted in the state where it started.
When is tornado season in California?
Most California tornadoes in the record came from February through April. March is the busiest single month, with 18% of the total. Tornadoes can happen in any month.
Where do I find California emergency management and National Weather Service offices?
The state agency is California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (https://www.caloes.ca.gov/). The National Weather Service offices that cover California include NWS Eureka, CA, NWS San Joaquin Valley, CA, NWS Los Angeles, CA, NWS Medford, OR, NWS San Francisco Bay Area, CA, NWS Phoenix, NWS Reno, NV, NWS San Diego, CA and 2 more. Evacuation zones and orders come from your county or state emergency management office, not from this site.
Which California cities and counties have their own alert pages?
This site has city pages for Fresno County (Fresno); Los Angeles County (Los Angeles); Orange County (Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana); Sacramento County (Sacramento). Each city page shows the alerts for the center of that city.
Be ready in California
Official-source guides for the weather California sees most.
Cities and counties in California
Live alerts and local storm history for each city, grouped by the county it is in.
Fresno County: Fresno
Los Angeles County: Los Angeles
Orange County: Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana
Sacramento County: Sacramento
Alert data comes from the National Weather Service and is refreshed every 15 minutes.