How many tornadoes has Athens, GA had?
Athens has had 63 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 strong to violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Athens?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Athens was an EF1 on August 17, 2021.
When is tornado season in Athens?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Athens, with 14 on record. April through June account for 34 of the 63 tornadoes on record near Athens.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
63
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
1
1.6% of total
Peak Month
May
14 on record
Per Year Avg
0.8
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Athens
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
15 total, averaging 0.8 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
0
2022
0
2021
5
2020
1
2019
0
2018
0
2017
2
2016
2
2015
0
2014
0
2013
0
2012
0
2011
1
2010
1
2009
1
2008
2
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
3
1960s
6
1970s
10
1980s
10
1990s
9
2000s
13
2010s
6
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
18
EF1
33
EF2
11
EF3
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
2
Feb
4
Mar
7
Apr
10
May
14
Jun
10
Jul
0
Aug
8
Sep
3
Oct
0
Nov
3
Dec
2
Casualties on Record Near Athens
5 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Athens since 1950, across 4 events. 219 injuries have been reported across all events. 1973 was the deadliest year on record near Athens.
The deadliest single event was an F2 on March 31, 1973, which caused 2 fatalities along a 72.4-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Athens
Deadliest Tornado
F2 on March 31, 1973 — 2 fatalities, 72.4 mi path, 500 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F2 on March 31, 1973 — est. ~$275.0M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
EF1 on April 28, 2011 — 880 yards wide.
Longest Path
F2 on March 31, 1973 — 72.4 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on August 17, 2021.
What the record shows near Athens
The 2000s were the busiest decade near Athens, with 13 of the 63 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 6 so far. The Athens record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Athens, 51 reached EF0 or EF1 and 12 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Athens is rated EF3, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Athens has averaged 0.8 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 15 in total. 2021 was the busiest of them with 5, and 12 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Athens, GA had?
Since 1950, 63 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Athens. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Athens?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Athens was an F2 on March 31, 1973, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Athens?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Athens, with 14 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.
When was the most recent tornado near Athens?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Athens was an EF1 on August 17, 2021.
How do I get tornado warnings for Athens?
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