Castaic, CA Tornado History — 5 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Castaic, CA had?
Castaic has had 5 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Castaic?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Castaic was a F0 on April 1, 1999.
When is tornado season in Castaic?
December is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Castaic, 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 Castaic been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Castaic from any of the 5 tornadoes since 1950. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Castaic
About Tornadoes in Castaic
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.
Castaic, California has experienced five documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. This relatively modest count reflects the region's location in Southern California, where tornadoes are far less common than in the central and southeastern United States. The recorded events span several decades, with one tornado in the 1950s, one in the 1980s, and three in the 1990s.
Most tornadoes near Castaic have been weak, with four rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale—a classification indicating wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph and typically minor damage limited to trees, signs, and light structures. However, one EF2 tornado did occur on November 9, 1982, producing estimated winds between 111 and 135 mph. This event carved a one-mile path with a maximum width of 150 yards and caused $2.75 million in property damage, making it the costliest, widest, and longest-track tornado on record for the area. Notably, no fatalities have been recorded from any tornado event near Castaic.
Unlike many regions where tornadoes peak during spring and early summer months, the Castaic area has seen its highest activity in December, with two tornadoes recorded during that month. This unusual seasonal pattern aligns with California's winter storm season, when strong Pacific weather systems can occasionally produce the atmospheric instability and wind shear necessary for tornado development. The most recent tornado near Castaic touched down on April 1, 1999, as a brief EF0 event with a path length of just one-tenth of a mile and no reported damage.
While tornadoes remain rare in this part of California compared to more tornado-prone regions of the country, the historical record demonstrates that they can and do occur. The 1982 EF2 tornado serves as a reminder that even infrequent events can produce significant localized impacts when conditions align favorably for severe weather development.