How many tornadoes has Kernersville, NC had?
Kernersville has had 56 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 6 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Kernersville?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Kernersville was an EF1 on May 6, 2022.
When is tornado season in Kernersville?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Kernersville, with 21 on record. April through June account for 29 of the 56 tornadoes on record near Kernersville.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
56
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
6
10.7% of total
Peak Month
May
21 on record
Per Year Avg
0.7
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Kernersville
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
18 total, averaging 0.9 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
0
2022
1
2021
1
2020
0
2019
0
2018
1
2017
1
2016
1
2015
0
2014
0
2013
1
2012
0
2011
1
2010
4
2009
1
2008
4
2007
2
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
5
1960s
4
1970s
7
1980s
10
1990s
8
2000s
11
2010s
9
2020s
2
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
12
EF1
28
EF2
10
EF3
6
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
1
Mar
8
Apr
3
May
21
Jun
5
Jul
5
Aug
2
Sep
5
Oct
4
Nov
2
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Kernersville
5 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Kernersville since 1950, across 3 events. 129 injuries have been reported across all events. 2011 was the deadliest year on record near Kernersville.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on March 20, 1998, which caused 2 fatalities along a 12.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Kernersville
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on March 20, 1998 — 2 fatalities, 12.0 mi path, 300 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF2 on April 15, 2018 — $67.2M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
F1 on November 22, 1992 — 800 yards wide.
Longest Path
F1 on March 30, 1960 — 56.2 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on May 6, 2022.
What the record shows near Kernersville
The 2000s were the busiest decade near Kernersville, with 11 of the 56 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 2 so far. The Kernersville record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Kernersville, 40 reached EF0 or EF1 and 16 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Kernersville is rated EF3, of which 6 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Kernersville has averaged 0.9 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 18 in total. 2008 was the busiest of them with 4, and 9 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Kernersville, NC had?
Since 1950, 56 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Kernersville. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Kernersville?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Kernersville was an F3 on March 20, 1998, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Kernersville?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Kernersville, with 21 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 Kernersville?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Kernersville was an EF1 on May 6, 2022.
How do I get tornado warnings for Kernersville?
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