How many tornadoes has Gainesville, GA had?
Gainesville has had 90 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 7 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Gainesville?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Gainesville was an EF1 on May 2, 2025.
When is tornado season in Gainesville?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Gainesville, with 24 on record. April through June account for 46 of the 90 tornadoes on record near Gainesville.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
90
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
7
7.8% of total
Peak Month
April
24 on record
Per Year Avg
1.2
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Gainesville
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
22 total, averaging 1.1 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
1
2024
0
2023
0
2022
0
2021
3
2020
3
2019
1
2018
0
2017
3
2016
3
2015
0
2014
1
2013
1
2012
0
2011
0
2010
1
2009
1
2008
4
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
8
1960s
4
1970s
14
1980s
10
1990s
20
2000s
17
2010s
10
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
24
EF1
44
EF2
15
EF3
6
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
2
Feb
4
Mar
9
Apr
24
May
10
Jun
12
Jul
5
Aug
11
Sep
3
Oct
0
Nov
7
Dec
3
Casualties on Record Near Gainesville
26 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Gainesville since 1950, across 6 events. 369 injuries have been reported across all events. 1998 was the deadliest year on record near Gainesville.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on March 20, 1998, which caused 12 fatalities along a 4.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Gainesville
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on March 20, 1998 — 12 fatalities, 4.0 mi path, 100 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F3 on March 27, 1994 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F3 on March 27, 1994 — 2,613 yards wide.
Longest Path
F2 on April 15, 1956 — 46.8 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on May 2, 2025.
What the record shows near Gainesville
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Gainesville, with 20 of the 90 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 7 so far. The Gainesville record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Gainesville, 68 reached EF0 or EF1 and 22 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Gainesville is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Gainesville has averaged 1.1 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 22 in total. 2008 was the busiest of them with 4, and 9 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Gainesville, GA had?
Since 1950, 90 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Gainesville. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Gainesville?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Gainesville was an F3 on March 20, 1998, which caused 12 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Gainesville?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Gainesville, with 24 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 Gainesville been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Gainesville, 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 Gainesville?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Gainesville was an EF1 on May 2, 2025.
How do I get tornado warnings for Gainesville?
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