Perris, CA Tornado History — 20 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Perris, CA had?
Perris has had 20 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Perris?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Perris was an EF0 on October 8, 2022.
When is tornado season in Perris?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Perris, with 5 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 Perris
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 8 total, averaging 0.4 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 Perris been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Perris from any of the 20 tornadoes since 1950, though 2 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Perris
About Tornadoes in Perris
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.
Perris, California, located in Riverside County, has experienced 20 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, the region does see occasional tornado activity, particularly during the spring months when atmospheric conditions can support rotating thunderstorms.
The vast majority of tornadoes near Perris have been weak, with 17 rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest). Two tornadoes reached EF1 intensity, and only one has been rated EF2. None of the recorded tornadoes in the area resulted in fatalities. The temporal distribution shows a notable increase in documented events during the 2000s, with 10 tornadoes recorded in that decade alone, likely reflecting improvements in detection technology and reporting practices as much as any change in actual tornado frequency.
The most significant tornado on record occurred on May 22, 2008, when an EF2 tornado touched down with maximum winds capable of causing considerable damage. This event carved a 2.8-mile path with a maximum width of 75 yards and caused $350,000 in property damage, making it simultaneously the costliest, widest, and longest-track tornado in the area's recorded history. May has been the most active month overall, accounting for five of the 20 documented tornadoes, consistent with the spring severe weather season when temperature contrasts and atmospheric instability are most favorable for tornadic development.
The most recent tornado near Perris was an EF0 event on October 8, 2022, which traveled 1.6 miles with a maximum width of 50 yards and caused no damage or injuries. Tornado activity in the region remains sporadic, with only one event recorded so far in the 2020s and three in the 2010s, following the more active 2000s period.