How many tornadoes has Lexington, NC had?
Lexington has had 56 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 5 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Lexington?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lexington was an EF1 on March 18, 2021.
When is tornado season in Lexington?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lexington, with 17 on record. April through June account for 25 of the 56 tornadoes on record near Lexington.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
56
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
5
8.9% of total
Peak Month
May
17 on record
Per Year Avg
0.7
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Lexington
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
19 total, averaging 0.9 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
0
2022
0
2021
1
2020
1
2019
0
2018
0
2017
1
2016
2
2015
0
2014
0
2013
0
2012
0
2011
3
2010
3
2009
0
2008
6
2007
2
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
2
1960s
4
1970s
11
1980s
10
1990s
7
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
16
EF1
23
EF2
12
EF3
5
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
2
Feb
5
Mar
10
Apr
5
May
17
Jun
3
Jul
3
Aug
2
Sep
3
Oct
4
Nov
1
Dec
1
Casualties on Record Near Lexington
3 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Lexington since 1950, across 2 events. 89 injuries have been reported across all events. 2011 was the deadliest year on record near Lexington.
The deadliest single event was an EF2 on November 16, 2011, which caused 2 fatalities along a 12.5-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Lexington
Deadliest Tornado
EF2 on November 16, 2011 — 2 fatalities, 12.5 mi path, 200 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F3 on May 5, 1989 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
EF1 on March 18, 2021 — 500 yards wide.
Longest Path
F2 on March 29, 1991 — 28.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on March 18, 2021.
What the record shows near Lexington
The 1970s were the busiest decade near Lexington, with 11 of the 56 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 2 so far. The Lexington record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Lexington, 39 reached EF0 or EF1 and 17 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Lexington is rated EF3, of which 5 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Lexington has averaged 0.9 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 19 in total. 2008 was the busiest of them with 6, and 12 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Lexington, NC had?
Since 1950, 56 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Lexington. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Lexington?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Lexington was an EF2 on November 16, 2011, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Lexington?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lexington, with 17 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 Lexington?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lexington was an EF1 on March 18, 2021.
How do I get tornado warnings for Lexington?
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