Tornado warning expires as severe thunderstorm moves through Merced County - KFSN-TV

Tuesday, August 22, 2023 6:15AM

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A severe thunderstorm triggered a tornado warning in Merced County on Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service in Hanford issued the warning, which expired at 1:45 pm.

Officials urged everyone in the area to take cover immediately and get indoors as the storm moved through the area.

The tornado warning was issued after the thunderstorm was spotted south of Los Banos as it was moving north.

Images captured by an ABC30 Insider show a possible funnel cloud forming near Los Banos.

The storm brought heavy rain to the city, which made for dangerous driving conditions.

Across the county, people took cover as the severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings came in.

There were reports of people seeking shelter in bathtubs and schools ordering a shelter-in-place for students and staff.

Thunderstorms are expected to continue throughout the evening.

As of Monday night, there have not been any confirmed reports of funnel clouds.

Stay with Action News for the latest on this developing story.

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