Palmdale, CA Tornado History — 7 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Palmdale, CA had?
Palmdale has had 7 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Palmdale?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Palmdale was an EF0 on September 9, 2021.
When is tornado season in Palmdale?
September is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Palmdale, with 3 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 Palmdale
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 3 total, averaging 0.1 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 Palmdale been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Palmdale from any of the 7 tornadoes since 1950. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Palmdale
About Tornadoes in Palmdale
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.
Palmdale, California has experienced seven tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. All seven events were rated EF0, the weakest category on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which indicates estimated wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph. Despite their relatively low intensity, these tornadoes have collectively caused millions of dollars in property damage, though none have resulted in fatalities.
Tornado activity in the Palmdale area has been sporadic across the decades. The first recorded event occurred in the 1980s, followed by one in the 1990s. Activity increased notably in the 2000s with four tornadoes, and the most recent event took place on September 9, 2021. This EF0 tornado traveled 1.8 miles with a maximum width of 9 yards and caused no property damage or injuries.
September has been the most active month for tornadoes near Palmdale, accounting for three of the seven recorded events. The costliest tornado on record struck on June 5, 1987, causing $27.5 million in property damage despite its brief 0.2-mile path and narrow 20-yard width. The longest and widest tornado occurred on September 1, 2007, traveling 13.1 miles with a maximum width of 75 yards and causing $175,000 in damage.
While tornadoes are relatively rare in Southern California compared to the Great Plains and Southeast, the region's complex terrain and occasional atmospheric instability can produce weak tornadoes, particularly during the transition seasons. The Enhanced Fujita scale, used to rate tornado intensity based on damage indicators, ranges from EF0 to EF5, with the latter representing the most violent tornadoes with winds exceeding 200 mph. Palmdale's tornado history demonstrates that even in areas with infrequent tornado activity, preparedness and awareness remain important components of severe weather safety.