Lackawanna, NY Tornado History — 34 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Lackawanna, NY had?
Lackawanna has had 34 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Lackawanna?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lackawanna was an EF0 on September 9, 2024.
When is tornado season in Lackawanna?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lackawanna, with 11 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 Lackawanna
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 10 total, averaging 0.5 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 Lackawanna been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Lackawanna from any of the 34 tornadoes since 1950, though 6 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Lackawanna
About Tornadoes in Lackawanna
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.
Lackawanna, New York, has experienced 34 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records. Despite the region's proximity to Lake Erie and its northern latitude, tornado activity has occurred across multiple decades, with the 1990s recording the highest frequency at 11 events. The most recent tornado touched down on September 9, 2024, rated EF0 with a 1.2-mile path and causing no injuries or property damage.
The majority of tornadoes in the area have been relatively weak, with 14 rated EF0 and 13 rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage to structures and vegetation. Six tornadoes reached EF2 strength, and only one has been classified as EF3. Notably, no tornadoes on record in this area have resulted in fatalities, though several have caused significant property damage.
July stands out as the peak month for tornado activity, accounting for 11 of the 34 recorded events. This seasonal pattern aligns with typical summer convective weather patterns when warm, humid air masses can generate severe thunderstorms. The costliest tornado struck on July 30, 1987, an F2-rated storm that caused $2.75 million in property damage along a 1.5-mile path. The longest-tracked tornado occurred on May 2, 1972, traveling 12 miles with a maximum width of 350 yards and causing $275,000 in damage.
The widest tornado on record was an EF2 that occurred on July 20, 2017, reaching a maximum width of 700 yards as it traveled 6.1 miles, though it caused relatively minor damage of just $3,500. Tornado activity has remained relatively consistent in recent decades, with four events in the 2010s and five so far in the 2020s, suggesting that the area continues to experience periodic severe weather capable of producing tornadoes.