How many tornadoes has Costa Mesa, CA had?
Costa Mesa has had 42 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Costa Mesa?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Costa Mesa was an EF0 on May 4, 2023.
When is tornado season in Costa Mesa?
January is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Costa Mesa, with 10 on record. April through June account for 5 of the 42 tornadoes on record near Costa Mesa.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
42
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
0
0.0% of total
Peak Month
January
10 on record
Per Year Avg
0.6
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Costa Mesa
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
4 total, averaging 0.2 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
2
2022
0
2021
0
2020
0
2019
0
2018
0
2017
0
2016
0
2015
0
2014
0
2013
0
2012
0
2011
0
2010
1
2009
0
2008
0
2007
1
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
1
1960s
5
1970s
3
1980s
7
1990s
18
2000s
5
2010s
1
2020s
2
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.
EF0
23
EF1
16
EF2
3
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
10
Feb
8
Mar
4
Apr
2
May
2
Jun
1
Jul
0
Aug
0
Sep
1
Oct
0
Nov
8
Dec
6
Have any tornadoes near Costa Mesa been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Costa Mesa from any of the 42 tornadoes since 1950, though 18 injuries have been reported, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Costa Mesa
Costliest Tornado
F0 on January 17, 1993 — est. ~$2.8M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F2 on November 9, 1982 — 1,300 yards wide.
Longest Path
F1 on March 16, 1977 — 10.9 mile track.
Most Recent
EF0 on May 4, 2023.
What the record shows near Costa Mesa
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Costa Mesa, with 18 of the 42 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 2 so far. The Costa Mesa record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Costa Mesa, 39 reached EF0 or EF1 and 3 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Costa Mesa is rated EF2, of which 3 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Costa Mesa has averaged 0.2 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 4 in total. 2023 was the busiest of them with 2, and 17 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Costa Mesa, CA had?
Since 1950, 42 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Costa Mesa. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
When is tornado season in Costa Mesa?
January is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Costa Mesa, with 10 tornadoes on record. Tornadoes can occur any time of year, but spring months (April–June) generally see the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
When was the most recent tornado near Costa Mesa?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Costa Mesa was an EF0 on May 4, 2023.
How do I get tornado warnings for Costa Mesa?
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