Christmas week storm brings low tornado risk to Southern California, forecasters say

A very low chance of a tornado is included in the forecast for parts of Los Angeles County this week, though it is not the primary concern, according to a National Weather Service meteorologist.

“There is a tornado risk — it’s not what we’re primarily concerned about,” National Weather Service meteorologist Lisa Phillips said.

Forecasters are expecting gusty, strong winds along with a chance of thunderstorms, with increased chances beginning Wednesday and continuing into Christmas Day on Thursday, Phillips said. The greater concern remains the several inches of rain expected to fall across Southern California throughout the week.

If a tornado does form, it would likely be small and short-lived, Phillips said.

“Generally, when we get them here, they’re super short-lived,” she said. “They can have impacts to weaker structures like trailers or lightweight items, but could take down some trees.”

Phillips said the low tornado risk is tied to how winds change with height during the storm system.

“When winds are turning with height, any thunderstorm that develops within that wind can start spinning and produce it,” she said.

The tornado probability is about 2%, Phillips said.

“We’re definitely not expecting tornadoes everywhere,” she said. “There is the potential for one or two to form.”