Amherst, NY Tornado History — 28 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Amherst, NY had?
Amherst has had 28 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Amherst?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Amherst was an EF0 on September 9, 2024.
When is tornado season in Amherst?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Amherst, with 10 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 Amherst
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 11 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
Have any tornadoes near Amherst been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Amherst from any of the 28 tornadoes since 1950, though 6 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Amherst
About Tornadoes in Amherst
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.
Amherst, New York, has experienced 28 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. The majority of these events have been relatively weak, with 11 rated EF0 and 10 rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage. Six tornadoes reached EF2 strength, capable of considerable damage to well-constructed buildings, while only one event on record achieved EF3 intensity, characterized by severe damage with winds between 136 and 165 miles per hour.
Tornado activity in the Amherst area has varied considerably by decade. The 1950s saw just one recorded event, followed by a gradual increase through the 1970s. The 1990s marked the most active period with seven tornadoes, while the 2000s saw a notable decline to just two events. Activity has increased again in recent years, with four tornadoes in the 2010s and six already recorded in the 2020s. July stands out as the peak month for tornado occurrence, accounting for 10 of the 28 total events, reflecting the typical seasonal pattern of summer convective storms in the northeastern United States.
Remarkably, no tornado within the 25-mile radius of Amherst has resulted in a recorded fatality since 1950. The costliest event occurred on July 30, 1987, when an F2 tornado caused $2.75 million in property damage along a 1.5-mile path with a maximum width of 30 yards. The widest tornado on record swept through on July 20, 2017, reaching 700 yards across during its 6.1-mile track, though it caused only $3,500 in damage. The longest-tracked tornado traveled 12 miles on May 2, 1972, with a maximum width of 350 yards and $275,000 in damage.
The most recent tornado touched down on September 10, 2024, rated EF0 with a brief 0.2-mile path, 50-yard width, and no reported damage or injuries. This event continues the area's fortunate record of tornado occurrences without loss of life, though the consistent presence of tornadoes across multiple decades underscores the importance of maintaining weather awareness and preparedness throughout the warm season.