Rare Tornado Whirls Through Northern California Near Vina, Lasts Just a Minute

A rare tornado whirled through Tehama County on April 12, 2026, after meteorologists confirmed a brief touchdown near Vina.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento said the tornado occurred in a rural area and lasted about one minute. According to the weather agency, the tornado touched down about four miles southeast of Vina between 2:05 and 2:06 p.m. PT.

Tornado Warning continues for Vina CA until 2:30 PM PDT pic.twitter.com/lOEvu16UO9

— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) April 12, 2026

Officials classified the tornado as EF-U, meaning its intensity could not be determined.. 

The The tornado was on the ground for about one minute, from 2:05 to 2:06 p.m. PT.

The touchdown was confirmed using radar data showing storm rotation, along with public and webcam footage. No damage or injuries were reported, according to the NWS Sacramento.

An EF-U rating means the tornado’s intensity is unknown and cannot be determined due to a lack of damage. As a result, details such as peak wind speed, path length, and width remain unknown. The ratings are assigned under the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

Meteorologists at NWS Sacramento have made the preliminary determination based on video and radar evidence that a EF-U tornado touched down for approximately 1 minute (2:05-2:06 PM on April 12th), about 4 miles southeast of Vina, CA. No damage or injuries were reported. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/VFpzL5511D

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) April 12, 2026

Authorities said no survey team will be deployed because there is no damage to assess. Radar showed a rotating storm system capable of producing a tornado, prompting an earlier warning.

Tornadoes are not uncommon in California but are typically weak. NWS data shows the state averages about nine tornadoes per year. Most tornadoes in California fall in the EF-U to EF-1 range and typically occur in inland areas such as the Central Valley.

Such events are usually brief and cause little to no damage. Following the tornado, unsettled weather continues across the region, according to NWS forecasts.

Good morning NorCal! Lingering showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible today, as low pressure slowly moves out of the area. Outside of the precipitation chances, cool high temperatures are expected across the region. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/ynh7qCdLem

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) April 13, 2026

Temperatures are expected to remain cooler than usual for this time of year.

There is a slight chance of thunderstorms developing, mainly across mountainous areas and south of Highway 50. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms, mainly in mountainous areas south of Highway 50.

NWS forecasts show another system moving through far Northern California by midweek, bringing a slight chance of light precipitation.

The same system could also bring minor snowfall between Wednesday and Thursday, with current estimates ranging from 1 to 3 inches at higher peaks, though no significant impacts are anticipated at this time.