Storm clouds over Mariposa County
Sierra Sun Times file photo

March 20, 2017 -  Per NWS: Tornado Warning in Mariposa County until 2:15 P.M.

The National Weather Service in Hanford CA has issued a

* Tornado Warning for... Western Mariposa County in central California... Southwestern Tuolumne County in northern California... North central Merced County in central California...

* Until 215 PM PDT

 * At 138 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado. This dangerous storm was located 10 miles north of Winton, or 12 miles north of Atwater, and moving northeast at 35 mph.

* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of western Mariposa...southwestern Tuolumne and north central Merced Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... TAKE COVER NOW!
Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. avoid windows. If you are in a mobile home or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Please report severe weather to law enforcement.