When people think of tornadoes, they often imagine the vast plains of Texas, Kansas, or Oklahoma. With its clear skies and coastal climate, Southern California seems unlikely for Twister. However, although rare, tornadoes land in this area more frequently than most people think.
In fact, Southern California has its own version of the Tornado alley, even smaller. Most at-risk areas include East Los Angeles, Montebello, Downey, Compton and Carson.
Why do tornadoes form in Southern California?
A tornado literally requires a complete storm of weather conditions. In Southern California, the combination of topography, coastal plains and occasionally powerful cold fronts allows for the creation of the material needed for a tornado.
When the cold front collides with warm air from the Pacific Ocean, the air will rise rapidly. If wind speeds and direction change at different heights in the atmosphere, the resulting turbulence can cause tornadoes.
Although rare, Southern California tornadoes are not unheard of. Since 2023, at least six tornadoes have landed in either Los Angeles or Ventura counties.
What is a tornado?
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that forms in a thunderstorm and extends to the ground, according to the National Weather Service. These swirling wind vortices vary widely in size and strength.
A weak tornado (winds up to 100 mph) usually lasts only a few minutes. A strong tornado (wind up to 200 mph) can last up to 20 minutes. Violent tornadoes (winds above 200 mph) are extremely rare, but can last for more than an hour.
Most tornadoes in California are on the weaker side, but even short-lived twisters can cause major damage, as seen in Montebello in 2023.
What if a tornado affects your area?
Preparation is the key to staying safe during a tornado. If a tornado warning is issued:
Find a shelter right away. The safest place is an underground storm shelter or basement. If they are not available, move to a small windowless room, such as a closet or hallway on the lowest floor. Avoid Windows. Flying fragments can turn crushed glass into dangerous projectiles. Use a sturdy cover. Go under a heavy table, workbench, or bathtub and place a mattress or heavy blanket above yourself for protection. If you are in a mobile home, you will be evacuated. Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. Move to a sturdy construction as quickly as possible. Did you get caught outside? Act quickly. If there is no building nearby, get in your vehicle and drive to the nearest shelter. If flying debris makes driving impossible, park, put on a seat belt and cover your head. Do this if you can safely leave your vehicle and evacuate to ditches or lowland areas.
Tornadoes in Southern California remain a rare phenomenon, but they are a reminder that extreme weather can attack in unexpected places. Understanding the risks and knowing what to do can make all the difference when the sky is dark.
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