Chowchilla, CA Tornado History — 23 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Chowchilla, CA had?
Chowchilla has had 23 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Chowchilla?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Chowchilla was an EF0 on March 1, 2024.
When is tornado season in Chowchilla?
March is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Chowchilla, with 9 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 Chowchilla
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 4 total, averaging 0.2 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 Chowchilla been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Chowchilla from any of the 23 tornadoes since 1950. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Chowchilla
About Tornadoes in Chowchilla
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.
Chowchilla, California, has experienced 23 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records. Despite California's reputation for earthquakes rather than severe convective weather, the Central Valley does occasionally produce tornadoes, particularly during the late winter and early spring months when atmospheric conditions align to support rotating thunderstorms.
The majority of tornadoes near Chowchilla have been weak, with 17 rated EF0 and 6 rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which classifies tornado intensity based on damage to structures and vegetation. No tornadoes on record in this area have resulted in fatalities. The costliest event occurred on January 15, 1995, when an F1 tornado caused $2.75 million in property damage along a one-mile path with a maximum width of 10 yards. The longest-tracked tornado touched down on February 14, 1998, traveling three miles as an F1 with a 30-yard width, though it produced no monetary damage.
Tornado activity near Chowchilla has been notably concentrated in March, which accounts for 9 of the 23 recorded events. This seasonal pattern reflects the influence of Pacific storm systems moving inland during late winter and spring, occasionally interacting with unstable air masses over the warmer valley floor. By decade, the 1990s and 2000s each saw 8 tornadoes, representing the most active periods on record, while the 1960s and 1980s each recorded only a single event.
The most recent tornado occurred on March 1, 2024, when an EF0 touched down with a brief 0.4-mile path and 10-yard width, causing $50,000 in damage. While tornadoes remain relatively uncommon in this region compared to the Great Plains, the historical record demonstrates that residents should maintain awareness of severe weather potential during the winter and spring months when conditions occasionally support tornadic development in California's Central Valley.