Holyoke, MA Tornado History — 55 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Holyoke, MA had?
Holyoke has had 55 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 5 violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Holyoke?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Holyoke was an EF0 on July 18, 2021.
When is tornado season in Holyoke?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Holyoke, with 15 on record. Spring through early summer (April–June) generally sees the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Holyoke
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 12 total, averaging 0.6 per year over this window.
Tornadoes by Decade
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.
Tornadoes by Month
Casualties on Record Near Holyoke
7 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Holyoke since 1950, across 3 events. 705 injuries have been reported across all events. 2011 was the deadliest year on record.
The deadliest single event was a F4 on October 3, 1979, which caused 3 fatalities along a 11.3-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Holyoke
About Tornadoes in Holyoke
This overview was written April 23, 2026. The tornado counts and notable-event figures elsewhere on this page reflect the latest data and may differ from this summary.
According to data from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, 53 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Holyoke, Massachusetts since 1950. This total places the region among the more tornado-prone areas of New England, with activity concentrated heavily in the earlier decades of the record. The 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s each saw double-digit tornado counts—11, 11, and 13 events respectively—while the 1980s and 1990s recorded only one tornado each. Activity has increased somewhat in recent decades, with five tornadoes in the 2000s, nine in the 2010s, and two so far in the 2020s.
The majority of tornadoes near Holyoke have been relatively weak, with 11 rated EF0 and 27 rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage. Ten tornadoes reached EF2 strength, four reached EF3, and one reached EF4, the second-highest rating on the scale. July has been the peak month for tornado activity in the area, accounting for 14 of the 53 recorded events. This summer peak aligns with the broader pattern of convective storm activity across the northeastern United States, when warm, humid air masses and frontal boundaries create favorable conditions for severe thunderstorms.
The most significant tornado in the historical record occurred on October 3, 1979, when an F4 tornado carved an 11.3-mile path with a maximum width of 1,400 yards. This event claimed three lives and caused $275 million in property damage, making it simultaneously the deadliest, costliest, and widest tornado on record for the area. Another major tornado struck on June 1, 2011, an EF3 that traveled 37.6 miles—the longest path length recorded near Holyoke—with a maximum width of 880 yards. This tornado also resulted in three fatalities and caused $227.6 million in damage.
The most recent tornado near Holyoke was an EF0 on July 18, 2021, which traveled 1.9 miles with a maximum width of 75 yards, causing $45,000 in property damage and no injuries. While tornadoes remain relatively uncommon in Massachusetts compared to the central plains, the historical record demonstrates that the Holyoke area has experienced significant tornado events capable of producing substantial damage and loss of life.