How many tornadoes has Roanoke Rapids, NC had?
Roanoke Rapids has had 40 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 2 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Roanoke Rapids?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Roanoke Rapids was an EF0 on January 4, 2023.
When is tornado season in Roanoke Rapids?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Roanoke Rapids, with 16 on record. April through June account for 20 of the 40 tornadoes on record near Roanoke Rapids.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
40
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
2
5.0% of total
Peak Month
April
16 on record
Per Year Avg
0.5
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Roanoke Rapids
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
15 total, averaging 0.8 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
1
2022
0
2021
0
2020
0
2019
9
2018
0
2017
0
2016
0
2015
0
2014
1
2013
0
2012
0
2011
1
2010
0
2009
0
2008
3
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
2
1960s
3
1970s
2
1980s
7
1990s
8
2000s
6
2010s
11
2020s
1
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
15
EF1
15
EF2
8
EF3
1
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
2
Feb
2
Mar
4
Apr
16
May
2
Jun
2
Jul
3
Aug
2
Sep
3
Oct
2
Nov
2
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Roanoke Rapids
4 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Roanoke Rapids since 1950, across 1 event. 178 injuries have been reported across all events. 1988 was the deadliest year on record near Roanoke Rapids.
The deadliest single event was an F4 on November 28, 1988, which caused 4 fatalities along a 83.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Roanoke Rapids
Deadliest Tornado
F4 on November 28, 1988 — 4 fatalities, 83.0 mi path, 400 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F4 on November 28, 1988 — est. ~$275.0M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F0 on March 15, 1996 — 800 yards wide.
Longest Path
F4 on November 28, 1988 — 83.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF0 on January 4, 2023.
What the record shows near Roanoke Rapids
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Roanoke Rapids, with 11 of the 40 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 1 so far. The Roanoke Rapids record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Roanoke Rapids, 30 reached EF0 or EF1 and 10 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Roanoke Rapids is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Roanoke Rapids has averaged 0.8 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 15 in total. 2019 was the busiest of them with 9, and 15 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Roanoke Rapids, NC had?
Since 1950, 40 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Roanoke Rapids. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Roanoke Rapids?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Roanoke Rapids was an F4 on November 28, 1988, which caused 4 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Roanoke Rapids?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Roanoke Rapids, with 16 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 Roanoke Rapids been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Roanoke Rapids, 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 Roanoke Rapids?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Roanoke Rapids was an EF0 on January 4, 2023.
How do I get tornado warnings for Roanoke Rapids?
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