Possible tornado touches down near Fresno as severe thunderstorms move through region, NWS confirms

FRESNO, Calif. -- The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday for southwest Madera, East Merced, and West Fresno counties.

A severe thunderstorm was located near Firebaugh, moving northeast at 25 mph towards Madera, Chowchilla, Firebaugh and Madera Acres.

They warn that areas could see 60-mph winds and quarter-sized hail.

According to NWS, around 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, a suspected tornado touched down near Biola, 8 miles west of Fresno.

A tornado warning was issued until 3 p.m. for Madera and Fresno counties but has now expired.

The National Weather Service then issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the same storm cell for South Central Madera and Northwest Fresno counties that lasted until 3:30 p.m.

Clovis Unified confirmed that all schools in the district were under a shelter-in-place due to a region-wide tornado alert issued by the National Weather Service.

The district canceled its shelter-in-place at 3 p.m. when the tornado warning expired.

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Strong to severe storms are possible Tuesday afternoon for portions of the Central Valley.

The Storm Prediction Center has put Fresno, Madera and Merced Counties in a marginal risk for isolated severe storms.

Residents should expect most storm activity to last through 7 p.m. this evening.

Funnel clouds are possible along with thunder, lightning, gusty winds, small hail and more.

Locations at higher elevations, including Yosemite National Park and China Peak Ski Resort, are also receiving fresh snow due to the storm.