Strong thunderstorm prompted early morning tornado warning in Stanislaus County
If the rain and wind didn’t wake Modesto area residents early Tuesday, bright cracks of lightning and the roar of thunder likely did. And then there was the emergency alert that sounded on smartphones at 3:44 a.m., warning of possible tornadoes in areas including Modesto, Ceres and Riverbank until 4:15 a.m.
Shortly before the tornado warning, at 3:25 a.m., the National Weather Service office in Sacramento posted on social media that “a line of strong thunderstorms with very heavy rain, small hail and strong wind will move through the Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto areas shortly. Roadway flooding is likely!”
This all came several hours after the California Highway Patrol’s Modesto office posted on social media at about 7:15 p.m. Monday, “ONE LONG DAY…& TOMORROW: It is safe to say the west side of Stanislaus County was slammed today with unprecedented flooding. The CHP Modesto could not thank enough the efforts from Caltrans, District 10, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, West Stanislaus County Fire Protection District, Patterson Police Services and Stanislaus County Roads. We understand the frustration road closures bring. Your patience during this time is greatly appreciated. Please download the Caltrans Quick Maps app for the latest closures on our state highways. Plan ahead and alter your daily commute to arrive at you destination in a safe manner.”
And the Modesto Irrigation District recorded 0.28 inches of rain between 3 and 4 a.m.
A flood watch is in effect for Modesto until 4 p.m. Wednesday, and a wind advisory until 1 p.m. Tuesday.
The weather services says thunderstorms are possible throughout Tuesday and rainfall could be up to half an inch. Wind gusts could reach up to 26 mph.
Stay with modbee.com for ongoing weather coverage.
This story was originally published January 10, 2023 at 4:43 AM.
