How many tornadoes has Merritt Island, FL had?
Merritt Island has had 131 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 5 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Merritt Island?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Merritt Island was an EF1 on October 9, 2024.
When is tornado season in Merritt Island?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Merritt Island, with 23 on record. April through June account for 35 of the 131 tornadoes on record near Merritt Island.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
131
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
5
3.8% of total
Peak Month
August
23 on record
Per Year Avg
1.7
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Merritt Island
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
2
2023
1
2022
1
2021
1
2020
1
2019
0
2018
1
2017
9
2016
0
2015
0
2014
2
2013
2
2012
2
2011
1
2010
2
2009
1
2008
2
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
5
1960s
13
1970s
24
1980s
17
1990s
29
2000s
18
2010s
19
2020s
6
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
67
EF1
45
EF2
14
EF3
4
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
8
Feb
12
Mar
10
Apr
9
May
8
Jun
18
Jul
11
Aug
23
Sep
20
Oct
9
Nov
3
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Merritt Island
36 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Merritt Island since 1950, across 2 events. 769 injuries have been reported across all events. 1998 was the deadliest year on record near Merritt Island.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on February 23, 1998, which caused 25 fatalities along a 28.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Merritt Island
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on February 23, 1998 — 25 fatalities, 28.0 mi path, 250 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F2 on March 24, 1983 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F3 on March 5, 1970 — 333 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 Merritt Island
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Merritt Island, with 29 of the 131 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 6 so far. The Merritt Island record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Merritt Island, 112 reached EF0 or EF1 and 19 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Merritt Island is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Merritt Island has averaged 1.4 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 28 in total. 2017 was the busiest of them with 9, and 6 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Merritt Island, FL had?
Since 1950, 131 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Merritt Island. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Merritt Island?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Merritt Island was an F3 on February 23, 1998, which caused 25 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Merritt Island?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Merritt Island, with 23 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 Merritt Island been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Merritt Island, 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 Merritt Island?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Merritt Island was an EF1 on October 9, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Merritt Island?
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