How many tornadoes has Salisbury, NC had?
Salisbury has had 54 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 2 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Salisbury?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Salisbury was an EF1 on April 11, 2024.
When is tornado season in Salisbury?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Salisbury, with 16 on record. April through June account for 24 of the 54 tornadoes on record near Salisbury.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
54
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
2
3.7% of total
Peak Month
May
16 on record
Per Year Avg
0.7
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Salisbury
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
23 total, averaging 1.1 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
1
2023
2
2022
1
2021
0
2020
3
2019
1
2018
0
2017
2
2016
2
2015
0
2014
0
2013
0
2012
0
2011
3
2010
1
2009
0
2008
6
2007
1
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
3
1960s
5
1970s
7
1980s
3
1990s
9
2000s
11
2010s
9
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
17
EF1
27
EF2
8
EF3
2
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
2
Feb
8
Mar
5
Apr
5
May
16
Jun
3
Jul
3
Aug
3
Sep
2
Oct
2
Nov
4
Dec
1
Casualties on Record Near Salisbury
3 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Salisbury since 1950, across 2 events. 47 injuries have been reported across all events. 2011 was the deadliest year on record near Salisbury.
The deadliest single event was an EF2 on November 16, 2011, which caused 2 fatalities along a 12.5-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Salisbury
Deadliest Tornado
EF2 on November 16, 2011 — 2 fatalities, 12.5 mi path, 200 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF2 on November 16, 2011 — $20.5M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
F1 on November 22, 1992 — 800 yards wide.
Longest Path
EF1 on August 7, 2023 — 36.2 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on April 11, 2024.
What the record shows near Salisbury
The 2000s were the busiest decade near Salisbury, with 11 of the 54 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 7 so far. The Salisbury record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Salisbury, 44 reached EF0 or EF1 and 10 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Salisbury is rated EF3, of which 2 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Salisbury has averaged 1.1 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 23 in total. 2008 was the busiest of them with 6, and 9 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Salisbury, NC had?
Since 1950, 54 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Salisbury. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Salisbury?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Salisbury was an EF2 on November 16, 2011, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Salisbury?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Salisbury, 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.
When was the most recent tornado near Salisbury?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Salisbury was an EF1 on April 11, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Salisbury?
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