How many tornadoes has Lake Wales, FL had?
Lake Wales has had 160 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 2 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Lake Wales?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lake Wales was an EF0 on October 9, 2024.
When is tornado season in Lake Wales?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lake Wales, with 31 on record. April through June account for 69 of the 160 tornadoes on record near Lake Wales.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
160
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
2
1.3% of total
Peak Month
June
31 on record
Per Year Avg
2.1
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Lake Wales
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
21 total, averaging 1.1 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
6
2023
0
2022
0
2021
1
2020
0
2019
0
2018
2
2017
1
2016
1
2015
0
2014
0
2013
0
2012
2
2011
1
2010
2
2009
2
2008
1
2007
2
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
7
1960s
14
1970s
24
1980s
29
1990s
49
2000s
21
2010s
9
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
101
EF1
43
EF2
14
EF3
1
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
11
Feb
10
Mar
11
Apr
17
May
21
Jun
31
Jul
20
Aug
12
Sep
9
Oct
6
Nov
4
Dec
8
Casualties on Record Near Lake Wales
37 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Lake Wales since 1950, across 3 events. 761 injuries have been reported across all events. 1998 was the deadliest year on record near Lake Wales.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on February 23, 1998, which caused 25 fatalities along a 28.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Lake Wales
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on February 23, 1998 — 25 fatalities, 28.0 mi path, 250 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F2 on May 8, 1979 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F1 on July 26, 1971 — 500 yards wide.
Longest Path
F4 on April 4, 1966 — 135.8 mile track.
Most Recent
EF0 on October 9, 2024.
What the record shows near Lake Wales
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Lake Wales, with 49 of the 160 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 7 so far. The Lake Wales record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Lake Wales, 144 reached EF0 or EF1 and 16 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Lake Wales is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Lake Wales has averaged 1.1 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 21 in total. 2024 was the busiest of them with 6, and 9 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Lake Wales, FL had?
Since 1950, 160 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Lake Wales. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Lake Wales?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Lake Wales was an F3 on February 23, 1998, which caused 25 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Lake Wales?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lake Wales, with 31 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 Lake Wales been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Lake Wales, 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 Lake Wales?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lake Wales was an EF0 on October 9, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Lake Wales?
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