Citrus Heights, CA Tornado History — 24 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Citrus Heights, CA had?
Citrus Heights has had 24 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Citrus Heights?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Citrus Heights was an EF0 on November 18, 2020.
When is tornado season in Citrus Heights?
February is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Citrus Heights, with 7 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 Citrus Heights
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 12 total, averaging 0.6 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 Citrus Heights been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Citrus Heights from any of the 24 tornadoes since 1950. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Citrus Heights
About Tornadoes in Citrus Heights
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.
Citrus Heights, California, experiences tornadoes far less frequently than many regions of the central and southern United States, but the area is not immune to these weather events. According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, 24 tornadoes have been documented within 25 miles of the city since 1950. The vast majority of these tornadoes have been weak, with 18 rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest). Five tornadoes reached EF1 intensity, and only one has been rated EF2.
Tornado activity in the region has shown a notable increase in recent decades. While only two tornadoes were recorded in the 1970s and three in the 1980s, the 2010s saw nine events within the search radius. The 2000s recorded six tornadoes, and the current decade has documented two through 2020. This uptick may reflect improved detection technology and reporting practices as much as any change in actual storm frequency.
Unlike much of the country where tornadoes peak during spring and early summer months, the Citrus Heights area sees its highest tornado activity in February, with six events recorded during that month. This winter-season pattern aligns with California's wet season, when atmospheric conditions occasionally support rotating thunderstorms. Notably, none of the 24 tornadoes on record have resulted in fatalities, reflecting both their generally weak intensity and the region's lower tornado frequency compared to areas where residents may be less prepared for such events.
The costliest and longest-tracked tornado in the area's modern record occurred on December 24, 2015. This EF1 tornado carved a 6.2-mile path with a maximum width of 100 yards and caused $1,000,000 in property damage, though no one was killed or injured. The widest tornado on record touched down on January 11, 2017, reaching 130 yards across during its brief 0.4-mile track as an EF0 event. The most recent tornado struck on November 18, 2020, traveling 4.4 miles as an EF0 with a maximum width of just 2 yards and causing no reported damage.