MERCED COUNTY, Calif. - On March 17, 2025, residents of Merced, Mariposa, and Tuolumne Counties experienced alarming weather as funnel clouds were spotted and multiple tornado warnings were issued, indicating severe storm activity across the Central Valley. The National Weather Service (NWS) alerted residents to take necessary precautions as thunderstorms swept through the region.
Funnel clouds were first captured on camera around 2:30 PM northeast of Atwater, California. Shortly after, around 2:40 PM, sightings continued near Vine and Almond streets, showcasing the ominous swirling formations as the sky darkened around them. The NWS responded swiftly, issuing two separate tornado warnings for the immediate areas, signaling potentially dangerous weather conditions.
Chief Meteorologist Kevin Musso provided insight on the situation, explaining the distinctions between tornado watches and warnings. “Tornado watches are put out when we know the conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms,” Musso stated. “Radar indicated rotation of the cell; so they jumped right to issuing the tornado warnings—funnel cloud sightings were reported across the north end of the Valley.”
Residents were urged to take cover. Musso advised people to seek shelter within substantial structures, diminish proximity to windows, and avoid being near trees, which could be uprooted during high winds. He emphasized the importance of moving to interior rooms or low-lying areas, where shelter could be found.
The storm systems were not new to the area. Prior to the funnel cloud incidents, back-to-back storms had traversed Central California. On March 13, 2025, snowfall covered low elevations, impacting schools, particularly around Tollhouse, where early dismissals occurred due to winter weather concerns. The next day witnessed closures across Madera County as the snowy conditions continued.
A break from inclement weather happened over the weekend of March 15-16 before thunderstorm conditions resumed on Monday morning. This turbulence did not go unnoticed, as funnel clouds were later spotted both in Mariposa County and Stanislaus County, amplifying the need for vigilance among locals.
By late afternoon on March 17, additional tornado warnings emerged, particularly around southern Tuolumne County and east central Stanislaus County. The NWS reported at through 4:48 PM, identifying severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, with one notable storm eight miles northeast of Turlock moving eastward at approximately 20 mph.
Initially, the severe thunderstorm warning was set to expire at 5:30 PM but was then extended until 5:45 PM for parts of Mariposa and Merced counties. Earlier warnings had already alerted residents due to significant threats of severe storm activity.
Residents were again cautioned, with the NWS indicating the capacity of the already foreboding storms to inflict damage on mobile homes, roofs, and vehicles. The warnings signaled the potential for peril, prompting those affected to seek safer accommodations.
Late evening assessments confirmed the tornado warnings had expired, though continued adverse weather was still anticipated. By 5:10 PM, the NWS noted one significant storm located roughly 11 miles to the east of Turlock had moved through rural zones and was no longer threatening directly. Nevertheless, the storm’s remnants still posed risks for wind damage.
Residents were reminded to maintain caution, staying updated through local news and weather reports as the season continued. With unpredictable weather patterns recently observed, the commitment to public safety remained the top priority for meteorological authorities.
Overall, the events of March 17, 2025, served as potent reminders of the volatile nature of weather systems and the importance of preparedness. People were encouraged to remain vigilant, especially as weather forecasts suggested future storm systems might impact the area, necessitating continued attention to alerts and advisories from the National Weather Service.
