Colton, CA Tornado History — 13 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Colton, CA had?
Colton has had 13 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Colton?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Colton was an EF0 on September 9, 2012.
When is tornado season in Colton?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Colton, 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
Recent Tornado Activity Near Colton
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 6 total, averaging 0.3 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 Colton been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Colton from any of the 13 tornadoes since 1950, though 1 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Colton
About Tornadoes in Colton
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.
Colton, California, situated in San Bernardino County, has experienced 13 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. While tornadoes are relatively rare in Southern California compared to the Great Plains and Southeast, the region does occasionally produce these rotating columns of air, typically in association with strong Pacific storm systems or monsoonal moisture patterns.
The majority of tornadoes near Colton have been weak, with 12 of the 13 events rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, indicating wind speeds between 65 and 85 mph. These storms generally cause minor damage to trees, signs, and roofing materials. Only one tornado reached EF2 intensity, which occurred on May 22, 2008, producing winds estimated between 111 and 135 mph. This event carved a 2.8-mile path with a maximum width of 75 yards and caused $350,000 in property damage, making it the costliest, widest, and longest-track tornado on record for the area. Notably, no tornadoes in the Colton area have resulted in fatalities since records began.
Tornado activity near Colton has shown an increasing trend in recent decades, with just one event recorded in each of the 1950s, 1970s, and 1980s, but five tornadoes occurring in the 2000s alone. The 1990s saw three events, while the 2010s recorded two. May has been the most active month historically, accounting for four of the 13 tornadoes, which aligns with the typical spring severe weather season when atmospheric dynamics are most favorable for rotating thunderstorms.
The most recent tornado near Colton touched down on September 9, 2012, as a brief EF0 event with a maximum width of just 10 yards. It caused no property damage and traveled no measurable distance. While tornado occurrences remain infrequent in this part of California, the historical record demonstrates that residents should maintain awareness of severe weather potential, particularly during the spring months when conditions are most conducive to tornadic development.