Albany, CA Tornado History — 6 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Albany, CA had?
Albany has had 6 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Albany?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Albany was a F1 on March 20, 2005.
When is tornado season in Albany?
September is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Albany, with 2 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
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 Albany been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Albany from any of the 6 tornadoes since 1950. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Albany
About Tornadoes in Albany
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.
Albany, California, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, experiences tornadoes far less frequently than many other regions of the United States. According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, six tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of the city since 1950, a modest total reflecting the area's generally mild weather patterns and the rarity of the atmospheric conditions necessary for tornado formation along the Pacific coast.
The recorded tornadoes have been relatively weak, with four rated EF0 and two rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which classifies tornadoes based on estimated wind speeds and resulting damage. The EF scale ranges from EF0 (winds 65-85 mph, causing light damage) to EF5 (winds over 200 mph, causing widespread destruction). None of the tornadoes on record in the Albany area resulted in fatalities. The costliest event occurred on April 1, 1958, when an F1 tornado caused $27,500 in property damage along a 0.2-mile path with a maximum width of 67 yards. The longest-tracked tornado touched down on March 20, 2005, traveling 3.0 miles with a maximum width of 30 yards and causing minimal damage, while the widest tornado—150 yards across—occurred on December 6, 1998, following a 1.5-mile path.
Tornado activity near Albany has been sporadic across the decades. One tornado was recorded in the 1950s, followed by a quiet period until two events in the 1980s and two more in the 1990s. The 2000s saw one additional tornado, the March 2005 event, which remains the most recent on record. September has been the peak month for tornado occurrence in the area, with two tornadoes documented during that month, though events have also been recorded in March, April, and December.
While tornadoes can occur anywhere given the right atmospheric conditions, the Bay Area's coastal location and typical weather patterns make such events uncommon. Residents should remain aware that tornadoes, though infrequent, are possible and should know how to respond if warnings are issued.