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A tornado warning issued for Carpinteria, Montecito and Summerland was canceled Wednesday night as a storm moving through the area weakened, authorities said.

The National Weather Service warned residents that a tornado and penny-sized hail were possible in the southeastern Santa Barbara County area until 10:30 p.m. It later said the storm did not appear strong enough to produce a tornado.

A tornado warning is issued when the weather radar sights a tornado that could be an imminent danger to life and property, according to the weather service’s website.

When one is sighted, residents are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows. Those in a mobile home, in a vehicle or standing outdoors should move to the closest substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris.

The warning came as a Christmas storm pummeled Southern California with rain and snow, causing traffic delays and toppling trees.