Downtown San Francisco experiences first tornado warning in recorded history

A tornado warning has been issued for the first time in San Francisco, after thunderstorms rushed across the area, toppling trees and creating massive power outages.

Around 6:14 a.m. PST, the storm moved northeast of downtown, and the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management announced that the tornado danger had passed.

“Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile, home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from debris,” SFDEM urged residents in an earlier tweet.

A strong wind warning and flood alert were also issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), with sustained gusts of up to 40 mph predicted in coastal regions. During the storm, a wind gust of 72 knots (83 mph) was recorded at San Francisco Airport. Videos depict severe winds toppling trees and electrical wires, as well as rattling palm palms in San Francisco.

108,978 customers were without power in San Francisco, the Peninsula, East Bay, South Bay, and North Bay as of 11 a.m., according to PG&E. A citywide outage was reported by Novato police, who advised residents to remain at home.

The backside of the front will continue to cause instability as the storm moves east, allowing pop-up thunderstorms, and the area will continue to be battered by gusty winds, according to KTVU meteorologists.

On Monday, the next storm is predicted to arrive.

Only a week after San Francisco had its first-ever tsunami warning, the city received a tornado alarm.

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake off the northern coast of California prompted the temporary alert for southern Oregon and northern California.