How many tornadoes has Ruston, LA had?
Ruston has had 126 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 11 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Ruston?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Ruston was an EF1 on December 26, 2024.
When is tornado season in Ruston?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Ruston, with 39 on record. April through June account for 61 of the 126 tornadoes on record near Ruston.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
126
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
11
8.7% of total
Peak Month
April
39 on record
Per Year Avg
1.7
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Ruston
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
51 total, averaging 2.5 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
2
2023
1
2022
6
2021
2
2020
3
2019
7
2018
7
2017
2
2016
0
2015
0
2014
2
2013
1
2012
0
2011
5
2010
0
2009
7
2008
6
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
7
1960s
16
1970s
12
1980s
22
1990s
11
2000s
20
2010s
24
2020s
14
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
28
EF1
65
EF2
22
EF3
11
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
6
Feb
7
Mar
17
Apr
39
May
21
Jun
1
Jul
2
Aug
1
Sep
8
Oct
4
Nov
12
Dec
8
Casualties on Record Near Ruston
19 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Ruston since 1950, across 6 events. 142 injuries have been reported across all events. 1961 was the deadliest year on record near Ruston.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on September 12, 1961, which caused 5 fatalities along a 2.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Ruston
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on September 12, 1961 — 5 fatalities, 2.0 mi path, 400 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF3 on April 25, 2019 — $50.0M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
EF2 on January 2, 2023 — 1,928 yards wide.
Longest Path
F3 on February 12, 1950 — 74.5 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on December 26, 2024.
What the record shows near Ruston
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Ruston, with 24 of the 126 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 14 so far. The Ruston record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Ruston, 93 reached EF0 or EF1 and 33 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Ruston is rated EF3, of which 11 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Ruston has averaged 2.5 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 51 in total. 2009 was the busiest of them with 7, and 7 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Ruston, LA had?
Since 1950, 126 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Ruston. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Ruston?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Ruston was an F3 on September 12, 1961, which caused 5 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Ruston?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Ruston, with 39 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 Ruston?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Ruston was an EF1 on December 26, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Ruston?
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