How many tornadoes has Kinston, NC had?
Kinston has had 119 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 6 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Kinston?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Kinston was an EF2 on August 8, 2024.
When is tornado season in Kinston?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Kinston, with 43 on record. April through June account for 63 of the 119 tornadoes on record near Kinston.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
119
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
6
5.0% of total
Peak Month
April
43 on record
Per Year Avg
1.6
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Kinston
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
41 total, averaging 2.0 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
1
2023
5
2022
1
2021
0
2020
0
2019
2
2018
2
2017
0
2016
3
2015
0
2014
6
2013
0
2012
1
2011
6
2010
0
2009
7
2008
6
2007
1
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
6
1960s
3
1970s
13
1980s
8
1990s
36
2000s
26
2010s
20
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
59
EF1
40
EF2
13
EF3
4
EF4
2
Unrated
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
4
Feb
6
Mar
14
Apr
43
May
13
Jun
7
Jul
6
Aug
9
Sep
11
Oct
4
Nov
2
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Kinston
19 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Kinston since 1950, across 2 events. 539 injuries have been reported across all events. 1984 was the deadliest year on record near Kinston.
The deadliest single event was an F4 on March 28, 1984, which caused 16 fatalities along a 28.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Kinston
Deadliest Tornado
F4 on March 28, 1984 — 16 fatalities, 28.0 mi path, 1,223 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF3 on April 16, 2011 — $30.0M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
F4 on March 28, 1984 — 1,407 yards wide.
Longest Path
F0 on April 8, 1962 — 64.1 mile track.
Most Recent
EF2 on August 8, 2024.
What the record shows near Kinston
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Kinston, with 36 of the 119 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 7 so far. The Kinston record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Kinston, 99 reached EF0 or EF1 and 19 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Kinston is rated EF4, of which 2 are logged. A further 1 near Kinston is unrated — events NOAA logged before a damage survey assigned a scale.
Across the last 20 years Kinston has averaged 2.0 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 41 in total. 2009 was the busiest of them with 7, and 8 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Kinston, NC had?
Since 1950, 119 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Kinston. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Kinston?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Kinston was an F4 on March 28, 1984, which caused 16 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Kinston?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Kinston, with 43 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 Kinston been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Kinston, there have been 0 EF5 and 2 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 Kinston?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Kinston was an EF2 on August 8, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Kinston?
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