How many tornadoes has Salem, MA had?
Salem has had 30 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 strong to violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Salem?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Salem was an EF1 on August 18, 2023.
When is tornado season in Salem?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Salem, with 10 on record. April through June account for 5 of the 30 tornadoes on record near Salem.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
30
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
1
3.3% of total
Peak Month
July
10 on record
Per Year Avg
0.4
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Salem
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
3 total, averaging 0.1 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
1
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
10
1960s
7
1970s
6
1980s
3
1990s
1
2010s
2
2020s
1
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
17
EF2
8
EF3
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
2
Jun
3
Jul
10
Aug
9
Sep
2
Oct
1
Nov
2
Dec
1
Casualties on Record Near Salem
1 fatality has been recorded within 25 miles of Salem since 1950, across 1 event. 18 injuries have been reported across all events. 1972 was the deadliest year on record near Salem.
The deadliest single event was an F1 on August 9, 1972, which caused 1 fatality along a 4.9-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Salem
Deadliest Tornado
F1 on August 9, 1972 — 1 fatality, 4.9 mi path, 30 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
F1 on July 1, 1971 — 25.2 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on August 18, 2023.
What the record shows near Salem
The 1950s were the busiest decade near Salem, with 10 of the 30 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 1 so far. The Salem record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Salem, 21 reached EF0 or EF1 and 9 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Salem is rated EF3, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Salem has averaged 0.1 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 3 in total. 2014 was the busiest of them with 1, and 17 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Salem, MA had?
Since 1950, 30 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Salem. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Salem?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Salem was an F1 on August 9, 1972, which caused 1 fatality.
When is tornado season in Salem?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Salem, with 10 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 Salem?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Salem was an EF1 on August 18, 2023.
How do I get tornado warnings for Salem?
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