A tornado warning issued Thursday evening for parts of Central California was canceled after the immediate threat diminished, but severe thunderstorms continued across the region with damaging winds, hail and possible funnel clouds.
The National Weather Service said shortly before 6:15 p.m. that the tornado threat had weakened.
Earlier in the evening, forecasters warned that “a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado” was moving northeast near South Dos Palos at about 15 mph, threatening mainly rural areas of southwestern Madera and western Fresno counties.
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A severe thunderstorm warning remained in effect for that area into the evening, with forecasters warning of wind gusts up to 70 mph and quarter-size hail…