How many tornadoes has Elizabeth City, NC had?
Elizabeth City has had 61 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 2 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Elizabeth City?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Elizabeth City was an EF1 on March 17, 2025.
When is tornado season in Elizabeth City?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Elizabeth City, with 11 on record. April through June account for 28 of the 61 tornadoes on record near Elizabeth City.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
61
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
2
3.3% of total
Peak Month
April
11 on record
Per Year Avg
0.8
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Elizabeth City
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
24 total, averaging 1.2 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
1
2024
0
2023
1
2022
0
2021
3
2020
1
2019
3
2018
0
2017
3
2016
0
2015
1
2014
5
2013
0
2012
1
2011
1
2010
1
2009
1
2008
2
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
4
1960s
4
1970s
2
1980s
7
1990s
12
2000s
11
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
29
EF1
19
EF2
11
EF3
2
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
1
Feb
0
Mar
5
Apr
11
May
7
Jun
10
Jul
11
Aug
5
Sep
4
Oct
2
Nov
5
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Elizabeth City
5 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Elizabeth City since 1950, across 4 events. 83 injuries have been reported across all events. 1984 was the deadliest year on record near Elizabeth City.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on March 28, 1984, which caused 2 fatalities along a 14.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Elizabeth City
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on March 28, 1984 — 2 fatalities, 14.0 mi path, 880 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF1 on August 4, 2020 — $4.0M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
F3 on March 28, 1984 — 880 yards wide.
Longest Path
F3 on November 23, 1992 — 160.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on March 17, 2025.
What the record shows near Elizabeth City
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Elizabeth City, with 15 of the 61 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 6 so far. The Elizabeth City record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Elizabeth City, 48 reached EF0 or EF1 and 13 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Elizabeth City is rated EF3, of which 2 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Elizabeth City has averaged 1.2 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 24 in total. 2014 was the busiest of them with 5, and 7 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Elizabeth City, NC had?
Since 1950, 61 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Elizabeth City. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Elizabeth City?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Elizabeth City was an F3 on March 28, 1984, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Elizabeth City?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Elizabeth City, with 11 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 Elizabeth City?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Elizabeth City was an EF1 on March 17, 2025.
How do I get tornado warnings for Elizabeth City?
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