How many tornadoes has Elk River, MN had?
Elk River has had 81 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 9 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Elk River?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Elk River was an EF1 on August 29, 2024.
When is tornado season in Elk River?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Elk River, with 29 on record. April through June account for 35 of the 81 tornadoes on record near Elk River.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
81
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
9
11.1% of total
Peak Month
July
29 on record
Per Year Avg
1.1
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Elk River
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
25 total, averaging 1.3 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
2
2023
1
2022
1
2021
0
2020
2
2019
0
2018
0
2017
3
2016
0
2015
0
2014
0
2013
0
2012
1
2011
7
2010
4
2009
2
2008
2
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
3
1960s
10
1970s
5
1980s
12
1990s
14
2000s
16
2010s
15
2020s
6
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
32
EF1
28
EF2
12
EF3
3
EF4
6
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
1
Apr
2
May
16
Jun
17
Jul
29
Aug
8
Sep
8
Oct
0
Nov
0
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Elk River
17 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Elk River since 1950, across 8 events. 671 injuries have been reported across all events. 1965 was the deadliest year on record near Elk River.
The deadliest single event was an F4 on May 6, 1965, which caused 6 fatalities along a 17.3-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Elk River
Deadliest Tornado
F4 on May 6, 1965 — 6 fatalities, 17.3 mi path, 667 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF1 on May 22, 2011 — $166.6M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
F4 on May 6, 1965 — 1,000 yards wide.
Longest Path
F2 on June 24, 1952 — 70.9 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on August 29, 2024.
What the record shows near Elk River
The 2000s were the busiest decade near Elk River, with 16 of the 81 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 6 so far. The Elk River record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Elk River, 60 reached EF0 or EF1 and 21 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Elk River is rated EF4, of which 6 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Elk River has averaged 1.3 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 25 in total. 2011 was the busiest of them with 7, and 10 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Elk River, MN had?
Since 1950, 81 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Elk River. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Elk River?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Elk River was an F4 on May 6, 1965, which caused 6 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Elk River?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Elk River, with 29 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 Elk River been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Elk River, there have been 0 EF5 and 6 EF4 tornadoes 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 Elk River?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Elk River was an EF1 on August 29, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Elk River?
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