Columbia Heights, DC Tornado History — 115 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Columbia Heights, DC had?
Columbia Heights has had 115 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 3 violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Columbia Heights?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Columbia Heights was an EF0 on June 18, 2025.
When is tornado season in Columbia Heights?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Columbia Heights, 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 Columbia Heights
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 51 total, averaging 2.5 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 Columbia Heights
3 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Columbia Heights since 1950, across 2 events. 121 injuries have been reported across all events. 2001 was the deadliest year on record.
The deadliest single event was a F3 on September 24, 2001, which caused 2 fatalities along a 17.5-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Columbia Heights
About Tornadoes in Columbia Heights
This overview was written July 29, 2026. The tornado counts and notable-event figures elsewhere on this page reflect the latest data and may differ from this summary.
Columbia Heights occupies high ground in Northwest Washington, DC, a few miles north of the National Mall, and the tornadoes that have touched down in and around the District have come mostly in the warm season, from spring severe-weather episodes through late summer and into early autumn.
On April 1, 1973, an F3 tornado carved a 9.8-mile path through the area, injuring 37 people and causing $27,500,000 in property damage. Another F3 struck on September 5, 1979, killing one person and injuring six along a 17.9-mile track roughly 300 yards wide. On September 24, 2001, an F3 tracked 17.5 miles through the region, killing two people and injuring 55 more.
Significant tornadoes have continued into recent years. On September 1, 2021, an EF2 traced an 11.43-mile path through the area, and on June 5, 2024, an EF1 injured five people along a 15.16-mile track, causing $5,000,000 in damage. Briefer, weaker touchdowns remain a familiar part of Washington-area storm seasons as well, including an EF0 on June 18, 2025.