Santa Cruz, CA Tornado History — 10 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Santa Cruz, CA had?
Santa Cruz has had 10 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Santa Cruz?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Santa Cruz was an EF1 on December 14, 2024.
When is tornado season in Santa Cruz?
December is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Santa Cruz, with 5 on record. April through June account for 2 of the 10 tornadoes on record near Santa Cruz.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Santa Cruz
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 5 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 Santa Cruz been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Santa Cruz from any of the 10 tornadoes since 1950, though 5 injuries have been reported, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Santa Cruz
What the record shows near Santa Cruz
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Santa Cruz, with 3 of the 10 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 1 so far. The Santa Cruz record runs from the 1960s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Santa Cruz, 10 reached EF0 or EF1 and 0 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Santa Cruz is rated EF1, of which 3 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Santa Cruz has averaged 0.3 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 5 in total. 2019 was the busiest of them with 2, and 16 of those years passed with none at all.