How many tornadoes has Bartow, FL had?
Bartow has had 207 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 strong to violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Bartow?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Bartow was an EF1 on October 9, 2024.
When is tornado season in Bartow?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Bartow, with 46 on record. April through June account for 87 of the 207 tornadoes on record near Bartow.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
207
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
1
0.5% of total
Peak Month
June
46 on record
Per Year Avg
2.7
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Bartow
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
28 total, averaging 1.4 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
5
2023
0
2022
0
2021
1
2020
1
2019
1
2018
2
2017
2
2016
3
2015
0
2014
0
2013
0
2012
3
2011
3
2010
2
2009
3
2008
0
2007
2
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
11
1960s
20
1970s
34
1980s
34
1990s
60
2000s
25
2010s
16
2020s
7
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.
EF0
127
EF1
56
EF2
23
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
15
Feb
12
Mar
20
Apr
17
May
24
Jun
46
Jul
24
Aug
11
Sep
12
Oct
9
Nov
6
Dec
11
Casualties on Record Near Bartow
14 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Bartow since 1950, across 3 events. 649 injuries have been reported across all events. 1966 was the deadliest year on record near Bartow.
The deadliest single event was an F4 on April 4, 1966, which caused 11 fatalities along a 135.8-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Bartow
Deadliest Tornado
F4 on April 4, 1966 — 11 fatalities, 135.8 mi path, 300 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F2 on May 8, 1979 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
EF2 on October 18, 2019 — 525 yards wide.
Longest Path
F4 on April 4, 1966 — 135.8 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on October 9, 2024.
What the record shows near Bartow
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Bartow, with 60 of the 207 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 7 so far. The Bartow record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Bartow, 183 reached EF0 or EF1 and 24 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Bartow is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Bartow has averaged 1.4 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 28 in total. 2024 was the busiest of them with 5, and 8 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Bartow, FL had?
Since 1950, 207 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Bartow. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Bartow?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Bartow was an F4 on April 4, 1966, which caused 11 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Bartow?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Bartow, with 46 tornadoes on record. Tornadoes can occur any time of year, but spring months (April–June) generally see the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
Has Bartow been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Bartow, there has been 0 EF5 and 1 EF4 tornado recorded since 1950. EF4 and EF5 tornadoes are the most destructive ratings on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with winds above 166 mph.
When was the most recent tornado near Bartow?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Bartow was an EF1 on October 9, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Bartow?
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