Peoria, AZ Tornado History — 42 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Peoria, AZ had?
Peoria has had 42 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Peoria?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Peoria was an EF0 on November 29, 2019.
When is tornado season in Peoria?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Peoria, with 8 on record. Spring through early summer (April–June) generally sees the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Peoria
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 7 total, averaging 0.3 per year over this window.
Tornadoes by Decade
Tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita Rating
F0–F5 ratings (pre-2007) are grouped with their EF equivalents. The Enhanced Fujita scale replaced the original Fujita scale in February 2007.
Tornadoes by Month
Have any tornadoes near Peoria been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Peoria from any of the 42 tornadoes since 1950, though 52 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Peoria
About Tornadoes in Peoria
This overview was written April 23, 2026. The tornado counts and notable-event figures elsewhere on this page reflect the latest data and may differ from this summary.
Peoria, Arizona has experienced 42 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records. Despite Arizona's reputation as a desert state not typically associated with severe tornado activity, the region around Peoria has seen measurable tornado occurrence over the past seven decades, with activity concentrated primarily in the summer monsoon season.
The majority of tornadoes recorded near Peoria have been relatively weak, with 24 rated EF0 and 13 rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which classifies tornadoes based on estimated wind speeds and resulting damage. Five tornadoes reached EF2 intensity, capable of considerable damage with winds between 111 and 135 mph. Notably, no tornadoes in the area have resulted in recorded fatalities. August stands out as the peak month for tornado activity with 8 events, reflecting the influence of the North American Monsoon that brings moisture and atmospheric instability to the region during summer months.
Tornado frequency has varied considerably by decade. The 1970s saw the highest activity with 11 tornadoes, while the 1990s recorded 10 events. The 2000s marked a notable decline with only 1 tornado documented, though activity increased again in the 2010s with 7 tornadoes. The costliest tornado on record occurred on June 22, 1972, when an F2 tornado carved a 13.5-mile path with a maximum width of just 10 yards, causing $27.5 million in property damage. The widest tornado reached 400 yards across on August 31, 1971, traveling 4.7 miles and causing $2.75 million in damage.
The most recent tornado touched down on November 29, 2019, rated EF0 with winds up to 85 mph. This event traveled 10.1 miles with a maximum width of 100 yards and caused $40,000 in property damage, with no injuries reported. While tornadoes remain relatively uncommon compared to regions with more frequent severe weather, the historical record demonstrates that the Peoria area experiences periodic tornado activity worthy of awareness and preparedness.