Chula Vista, CA Tornado History — 10 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Chula Vista, CA had?
Chula Vista has had 10 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Chula Vista?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Chula Vista was a F0 on February 23, 2005.
When is tornado season in Chula Vista?
February is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Chula Vista, with 4 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 Chula Vista been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Chula Vista from any of the 10 tornadoes since 1950, though 1 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Chula Vista
About Tornadoes in Chula Vista
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.
Chula Vista, California, has experienced 10 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. While tornadoes are relatively uncommon in Southern California compared to the central United States, the region does see occasional tornado activity, particularly during the winter and early spring months when atmospheric conditions align to produce rotating storms.
The most active decade for tornado occurrence near Chula Vista was the 1980s, with three recorded events, followed by two tornadoes each in the 1970s, 1990s, and 2000s. A single tornado was documented in the 1950s. All tornadoes on record have been rated either EF0 or EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage. Six tornadoes were rated EF0, indicating wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph, while four reached EF1 intensity with winds of 86 to 110 mph. None of these events resulted in fatalities.
February has been the peak month for tornado activity in the area, accounting for four of the ten recorded tornadoes. This winter peak differs from the traditional spring tornado season seen in much of the country, reflecting the unique weather patterns of coastal California where cool-season storms occasionally generate weak tornadoes. The most significant tornado on record touched down on March 19, 1991, an F1-rated event that caused $275,000 in property damage. This tornado traveled one mile along its path and reached a maximum width of 440 yards, making it simultaneously the costliest, widest, and longest-track tornado documented near Chula Vista.
The most recent tornado occurred on February 23, 2005, rated F0 with a brief 0.1-mile path and a maximum width of just 10 yards. This event caused no property damage and no injuries. While tornado risk in the Chula Vista area remains low compared to many other regions of the United States, the historical record demonstrates that these weather phenomena can occur in Southern California under the right atmospheric conditions.