Hail, tornado, and record-low temperatures hit California, USA

A series of unusual weather events hit the city of Davis, California, on September 28 and 29, 2019. Thunderstorms swept through the state's central part, producing dime-sized hail. A tornado was also spotted near the area.

The tornado touched down at 18:40 LT on September 29 to the east of County Road 101A and County Road 29 on the backside of the storm. Meanwhile, gustnadoes were reported as well around 18:15 to 18:30 LT on the same day, near HWY 80 Westbound near UC Davis.

Sacramento's National Weather Service (NWS) said no damage was reported. The agency issued a tornado warning at 18:39 LT on Saturday, September 28.

According to Robert Shackelford, CNN Weather producer, the tornado was weaker than those of typical Midwestern. "California sees about 10 tornadoes a year, so this is rather rare for the area," he said.

"They are more likely to see tornadoes in the winter and spring, but it isn't uncommon to see tornadoes in the fall."

Storm chaser Tom Nolan and his girlfriend, Shasta Fields, were able to capture the tornado on a video from a closer view.

Another footage of the twister was also posted by storm chaser Brennan Prill.

Heavy hailstorms were reported in the area prior to the tornado.

On Sunday morning, September 29, a record low temperature of 7.2 °C (45 °F) was experienced in nearby Sacramento, breaking the previous record of 7.7 °C (46 °F) in 1986.

Featured image credit: Tom Nolan and Shasta Fields/Twitter