How many tornadoes has Lawrence, MA had?
Lawrence has had 42 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 3 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Lawrence?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lawrence was an EF1 on August 22, 2016.
When is tornado season in Lawrence?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lawrence, with 18 on record. April through June account for 9 of the 42 tornadoes on record near Lawrence.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
42
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
3
7.1% of total
Peak Month
July
18 on record
Per Year Avg
0.6
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Lawrence
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
2 total, averaging 0.1 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
0
2022
0
2021
0
2020
0
2019
0
2018
0
2017
0
2016
1
2015
0
2014
1
2013
0
2012
0
2011
0
2010
0
2009
0
2008
0
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
12
1960s
16
1970s
7
1980s
3
1990s
1
2000s
1
2010s
2
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
4
EF1
24
EF2
11
EF3
3
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
4
Jun
5
Jul
18
Aug
10
Sep
1
Oct
2
Nov
1
Dec
1
Casualties on Record Near Lawrence
2 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Lawrence since 1950, across 2 events. 26 injuries have been reported across all events. 1972 was the deadliest year on record near Lawrence.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on October 3, 1970, which caused 1 fatality along a 35.4-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Lawrence
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on October 3, 1970 — 1 fatality, 35.4 mi path, 60 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF2 on July 28, 2014 — $4.0M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
EF2 on July 28, 2014 — 660 yards wide.
Longest Path
F3 on October 3, 1970 — 35.4 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on August 22, 2016.
What the record shows near Lawrence
The 1960s were the busiest decade near Lawrence, with 16 of the 42 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2010s have produced 2 so far. The Lawrence record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Lawrence, 28 reached EF0 or EF1 and 14 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Lawrence is rated EF3, of which 3 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Lawrence has averaged 0.1 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 2 in total. 2014 was the busiest of them with 1, and 18 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Lawrence, MA had?
Since 1950, 42 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Lawrence. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Lawrence?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Lawrence was an F3 on October 3, 1970, which caused 1 fatality.
When is tornado season in Lawrence?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lawrence, with 18 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 Lawrence?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lawrence was an EF1 on August 22, 2016.
How do I get tornado warnings for Lawrence?
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