New Britain, CT Tornado History — 63 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has New Britain, CT had?
New Britain has had 63 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 6 violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near New Britain?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of New Britain was an EF0 on June 21, 2024.
When is tornado season in New Britain?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near New Britain, with 20 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 New Britain
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 20 total, averaging 1.0 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
Casualties on Record Near New Britain
4 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of New Britain since 1950, across 2 events. 687 injuries have been reported across all events. 1979 was the deadliest year on record.
The deadliest single event was a F4 on October 3, 1979, which caused 3 fatalities along a 11.3-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near New Britain
About Tornadoes in New Britain
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.
New Britain, Connecticut, sits in a region that experiences more tornado activity than many residents might expect for the Northeast. According to data from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, 59 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of the city since 1950, with July being the peak month for activity, accounting for 20 of these events. The distribution across decades shows considerable variation, with the 2010s seeing the highest count at 15 tornadoes, while the 1980s and 1960s each recorded only 5.
The intensity of tornadoes in the area spans the full range of the Enhanced Fujita scale. Most events have been relatively weak, with 29 rated EF1 and 12 rated EF0. However, the region has experienced significant violent tornadoes as well, including four EF3 tornadoes and two EF4 tornadoes. The Enhanced Fujita scale, which rates tornadoes from EF0 to EF5, estimates wind speeds based on observed damage to structures and vegetation.
The deadliest tornado on record occurred on October 3, 1979, when an F4 tornado carved an 11.3-mile path with a maximum width of 1,400 yards, claiming three lives and causing $275 million in property damage. Another F4 tornado struck on July 10, 1989, matching the damage total at $275 million but fortunately resulting in no fatalities despite its intensity. This 1989 event traveled 3.0 miles with a maximum width of 100 yards. The longest-track tornado in the area's history was an F1 that traveled 12.3 miles on July 19, 1963, though it remained narrow at just 10 yards wide and caused only $2,750 in damage.
Tornado activity has continued into recent years, with the most recent event being an EF0 tornado on June 21, 2024. This tornado traveled 2.0 miles with a maximum width of 250 yards and caused $15,000 in property damage, with no fatalities reported.