How many tornadoes has Phoenix, AZ had?
Phoenix has had 51 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Phoenix?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Phoenix was an EF0 on October 16, 2022.
When is tornado season in Phoenix?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Phoenix, with 8 on record. April through June account for 8 of the 51 tornadoes on record near Phoenix.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
51
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
0
0.0% of total
Peak Month
August
8 on record
Per Year Avg
0.7
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Phoenix
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
9 total, averaging 0.5 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
0
2022
1
2021
0
2020
0
2019
4
2018
1
2017
1
2016
0
2015
1
2014
1
2013
0
2012
0
2011
0
2010
0
2009
0
2008
0
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
3
1960s
6
1970s
16
1980s
6
1990s
10
2000s
1
2010s
8
2020s
1
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.
EF0
27
EF1
18
EF2
6
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
4
Feb
5
Mar
4
Apr
0
May
5
Jun
3
Jul
5
Aug
8
Sep
8
Oct
5
Nov
3
Dec
1
Have any tornadoes near Phoenix been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Phoenix from any of the 51 tornadoes since 1950, though 55 injuries have been reported, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Phoenix
Costliest Tornado
F2 on June 21, 1972 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F1 on September 10, 1972 — 700 yards wide.
Longest Path
F1 on September 1, 1971 — 32.4 mile track.
Most Recent
EF0 on October 16, 2022.
What the record shows near Phoenix
The 1970s were the busiest decade near Phoenix, with 16 of the 51 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 1 so far. The Phoenix record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Phoenix, 45 reached EF0 or EF1 and 6 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Phoenix is rated EF2, of which 6 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Phoenix has averaged 0.5 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 9 in total. 2019 was the busiest of them with 4, and 14 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Phoenix, AZ had?
Since 1950, 51 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Phoenix. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
When is tornado season in Phoenix?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Phoenix, with 8 tornadoes on record. Tornadoes can occur any time of year, but spring months (April–June) generally see the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
When was the most recent tornado near Phoenix?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Phoenix was an EF0 on October 16, 2022.
How do I get tornado warnings for Phoenix?
Vortex delivers real-time tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm alerts, and SPC outlook updates for any US location via push notification and phone call. Alerts are sourced directly from the National Weather Service and updated within seconds of issuance.
Get real-time tornado alerts for Phoenix
Vortex monitors NWS warnings, SPC outlooks, and live radar — with push + phone call alerts when storms threaten your location.
Open the Vortex app →