How many tornadoes has Forest Lake, MN had?
Forest Lake has had 86 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 11 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Forest Lake?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Forest Lake was an EF1 on August 29, 2024.
When is tornado season in Forest Lake?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Forest Lake, with 32 on record. April through June account for 32 of the 86 tornadoes on record near Forest Lake.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
86
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
11
12.8% of total
Peak Month
July
32 on record
Per Year Avg
1.1
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Forest Lake
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
29 total, averaging 1.4 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
3
2023
0
2022
3
2021
0
2020
1
2019
1
2018
0
2017
4
2016
0
2015
1
2014
0
2013
1
2012
1
2011
5
2010
1
2009
4
2008
4
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
8
1960s
12
1970s
3
1980s
9
1990s
17
2000s
16
2010s
14
2020s
7
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
39
EF1
26
EF2
10
EF3
6
EF4
5
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
3
May
15
Jun
14
Jul
32
Aug
14
Sep
6
Oct
1
Nov
1
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Forest Lake
17 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Forest Lake since 1950, across 9 events. 604 injuries have been reported across all events. 1965 was the deadliest year on record near Forest Lake.
The deadliest single event was an F4 on May 6, 1965, which caused 6 fatalities along a 17.3-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Forest Lake
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
F2 on April 26, 1994 — 1,300 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 Forest Lake
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Forest Lake, with 17 of the 86 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 7 so far. The Forest Lake record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Forest Lake, 65 reached EF0 or EF1 and 21 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Forest Lake is rated EF4, of which 5 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Forest Lake has averaged 1.4 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 29 in total. 2011 was the busiest of them with 5, and 8 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Forest Lake, MN had?
Since 1950, 86 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Forest Lake. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Forest Lake?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Forest Lake was an F4 on May 6, 1965, which caused 6 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Forest Lake?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Forest Lake, with 32 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 Forest Lake been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Forest Lake, there have been 0 EF5 and 5 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 Forest Lake?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Forest Lake was an EF1 on August 29, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Forest Lake?
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