Pinole, CA Tornado History — 7 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Pinole, CA had?
Pinole has had 7 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Pinole?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Pinole was an EF0 on April 7, 2011.
When is tornado season in Pinole?
December is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Pinole, 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 Pinole
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 1 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 Pinole been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Pinole from any of the 7 tornadoes since 1950, though 1 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Pinole
About Tornadoes in Pinole
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.
Pinole, 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 wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph. This rating reflects relatively minor damage potential, typically limited to broken branches, damaged signs, and minor roof damage to structures.
Tornado activity in the Pinole area has been sporadic across the decades. Two tornadoes occurred during the 1980s, followed by four in the 1990s, and one in the 2010s. No tornadoes have been recorded in the area during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 2000s, or 2020s. December stands out as the peak month for tornado occurrence, accounting for three of the seven recorded events, an unusual pattern compared to the spring peak common in many other parts of the United States.
The most significant tornado by path characteristics occurred on December 6, 1998, traveling 1.5 miles with a maximum width of 150 yards. Despite its relatively large dimensions, this F0-rated tornado caused no property damage and no injuries. The costliest tornado on record struck on April 7, 2011, causing $26,000 in property damage along a brief 0.1-mile path with a maximum width of just 10 yards. This event also represents the most recent tornado recorded in the area.
No tornadoes within 25 miles of Pinole have resulted in fatalities since record-keeping began in 1950. The combination of exclusively EF0 ratings, short path lengths, and narrow damage swaths reflects the generally weak nature of tornado activity in this region of California, where atmospheric conditions less frequently support the development of strong rotating thunderstorms compared to areas farther inland.