2019 Paradise, California Tornado

2019 Paradise, California EF3 Tornado
On the 18th of October 2019, the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Hamilton City, Chico, Magalia, Paradise and down to Pentz. This tornado became the deadliest and strongest tornado to ever hit California

At around 4:45 California time, the tornado touched down just outside the town of Paradise, beginning as an EF1 it knocked around a few mobile homes and trees causing very little damage. However it crossed the West Branch Feather River at EF2 strength ripping numerous roofs off houses, tossing trampolines and striking the Pentz Road Market store collapsing it’s exterior walls. 2 people died in this area and 23 were injured

It cut a path of destruction through the neighbourhood just off of Bille Road causing EF3 Damage. This EF3 damage was the result of 3 poorly constructed houses being swept completely off their foundations but luckily just missing Ponderosa Elementary School. 18 people died and 67 were injured in this area

Keeping EF3 Damage, it hit the shopping center just off Clark Rd and Wagstaff Rd causing severe damage to the Dollar Tree, Save Mart Supermarkets, Subway and the UPS Store, but the Dollar General survived mostly intact. Amazingly only 1 death occurred.

It dropped to an EF2 as it struck the Chase Bank and the Paradise Theatre and then fell to an EF1. It turned to the left and headed towards the Paradise Fire Department causing minor damage. It fell to an EF0 and soon dissipated at 6:15 California Time.