How many tornadoes has Raleigh, NC had?
Raleigh has had 77 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 4 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Raleigh?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Raleigh was an EF1 on August 3, 2024.
When is tornado season in Raleigh?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Raleigh, with 18 on record. April through June account for 36 of the 77 tornadoes on record near Raleigh.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
77
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
4
5.2% of total
Peak Month
May
18 on record
Per Year Avg
1.0
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Raleigh
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
27 total, averaging 1.4 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
1
2023
1
2022
2
2021
0
2020
0
2019
5
2018
1
2017
0
2016
0
2015
0
2014
3
2013
1
2012
1
2011
3
2010
1
2009
3
2008
1
2007
4
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
8
1960s
3
1970s
7
1980s
12
1990s
13
2000s
15
2010s
15
2020s
4
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
35
EF1
26
EF2
12
EF3
3
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
1
Mar
14
Apr
11
May
18
Jun
7
Jul
7
Aug
2
Sep
8
Oct
1
Nov
4
Dec
4
Casualties on Record Near Raleigh
13 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Raleigh since 1950, across 4 events. 529 injuries have been reported across all events. 2011 was the deadliest year on record near Raleigh.
The deadliest single event was an EF3 on April 16, 2011, which caused 6 fatalities along a 65.2-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Raleigh
Deadliest Tornado
EF3 on April 16, 2011 — 6 fatalities, 65.2 mi path, 500 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F4 on November 28, 1988 — est. ~$275.0M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
EF3 on April 16, 2011 — 800 yards wide.
Longest Path
F3 on November 23, 1992 — 160.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on August 3, 2024.
What the record shows near Raleigh
The 2000s were the busiest decade near Raleigh, with 15 of the 77 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 4 so far. The Raleigh record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Raleigh, 61 reached EF0 or EF1 and 16 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Raleigh is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Raleigh has averaged 1.4 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 27 in total. 2019 was the busiest of them with 5, and 7 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Raleigh, NC had?
Since 1950, 77 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Raleigh. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Raleigh?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Raleigh was an EF3 on April 16, 2011, which caused 6 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Raleigh?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Raleigh, with 18 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 Raleigh been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Raleigh, there has been 0 EF5 and 1 EF4 tornado 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 Raleigh?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Raleigh was an EF1 on August 3, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Raleigh?
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