How many tornadoes has Lenoir, NC had?
Lenoir has had 42 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 2 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Lenoir?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lenoir was an EF1 on September 25, 2024.
When is tornado season in Lenoir?
October is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lenoir, with 11 on record. April through June account for 17 of the 42 tornadoes on record near Lenoir.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
42
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
2
4.8% of total
Peak Month
October
11 on record
Per Year Avg
0.6
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Lenoir
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
22 total, averaging 1.1 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
1
2023
0
2022
1
2021
1
2020
0
2019
1
2018
0
2017
9
2016
0
2015
0
2014
0
2013
0
2012
2
2011
3
2010
3
2009
0
2008
1
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
1
1970s
6
1980s
3
1990s
7
2000s
4
2010s
18
2020s
3
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
14
EF1
17
EF2
9
EF4
2
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
2
Feb
0
Mar
3
Apr
7
May
10
Jun
0
Jul
2
Aug
4
Sep
3
Oct
11
Nov
0
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Lenoir
4 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Lenoir since 1950, across 1 event. 77 injuries have been reported across all events. 1989 was the deadliest year on record near Lenoir.
The deadliest single event was an F4 on May 5, 1989, which caused 4 fatalities along a 14.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Lenoir
Deadliest Tornado
F4 on May 5, 1989 — 4 fatalities, 14.0 mi path, 800 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F4 on May 5, 1989 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F4 on May 7, 1998 — 1,320 yards wide.
Longest Path
F1 on May 27, 1973 — 31.3 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on September 25, 2024.
What the record shows near Lenoir
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Lenoir, with 18 of the 42 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 3 so far. The Lenoir record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Lenoir, 31 reached EF0 or EF1 and 11 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Lenoir is rated EF4, of which 2 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Lenoir has averaged 1.1 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 22 in total. 2017 was the busiest of them with 9, and 11 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Lenoir, NC had?
Since 1950, 42 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Lenoir. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Lenoir?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Lenoir was an F4 on May 5, 1989, which caused 4 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Lenoir?
October is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lenoir, 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.
Has Lenoir been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Lenoir, 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 Lenoir?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lenoir was an EF1 on September 25, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Lenoir?
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