A well-known giant sequoia tree known for the huge tunnel carved through it has toppled during California's weekend storms.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the historic Pioneer Cabin in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, in Calaveras County, came down during heavy rains on Sunday.

The tree, estimated to be more than 1,000 years old, was hollowed out in the 1880s to allow tourists to pass through it.

Cars later used the massive tunnel, but more recently it has only been used by hikers.

Park volunteer Jim Allday said the tree shattered as it hit the ground.

There was no immediate word on what caused the tee to fall, but the Chronicle reports that it probably had to do with the tree's shallow root system and the torrential rain.

Pictures released today showed the destroyed tree.