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Extreme Fire Weather Concerns; Severe Thunderstorms from the Plains to Mississippi Valley

Extremely critical fire weather concerns for portions of the southern High Plans as strong wind and very dry conditions could result in rapid spread of any fires. Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms are expected once again across areas of the Central and Southern Plains, then spreading in the Mississippi Valley regions on Monday. Damaging winds, very large hail and strong tornadoes are possible. Read More >

January 23rd Storm in Contra Costa County



A very strong thunderstorm went through a portion of Contra Costa County near Brentwood and Discovery Bay on Saturday, January 23rd. The following pictures were taken by Diane Rybicki of the Contra Costa Water District and are used here with her permission and the permission of the Contra Costa Water District.

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A low topped super cell produced an EF0 tornado near Brentwood. The tornado crossed power lines and destroyed a utility pole. An eyewitness described the tornado as high winds from swirling white cloud. The pole was twisted to the ground and the top one-third of the 40-foot pole was splintered. Fifty-five customers lost power at 12:54 p.m. PST.

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Radar Loop of the Low Topped Cell.  Tornado location noted on map