How many tornadoes has Wake Forest, NC had?
Wake Forest has had 65 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 2 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Wake Forest?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Wake Forest was an EF1 on September 27, 2024.
When is tornado season in Wake Forest?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Wake Forest, with 16 on record. April through June account for 30 of the 65 tornadoes on record near Wake Forest.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
65
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
2
3.1% of total
Peak Month
May
16 on record
Per Year Avg
0.9
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Wake Forest
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
5
2023
1
2022
2
2021
0
2020
0
2019
1
2018
1
2017
0
2016
1
2015
0
2014
2
2013
1
2012
1
2011
2
2010
1
2009
1
2008
1
2007
3
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
8
1960s
3
1970s
5
1980s
10
1990s
12
2000s
9
2010s
10
2020s
8
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
24
EF1
26
EF2
13
EF3
1
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
3
Mar
12
Apr
10
May
16
Jun
4
Jul
3
Aug
4
Sep
7
Oct
2
Nov
2
Dec
2
Casualties on Record Near Wake Forest
11 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Wake Forest since 1950, across 3 events. 311 injuries have been reported across all events. 2011 was the deadliest year on record near Wake Forest.
The deadliest single event was an EF3 on April 16, 2011, which caused 6 fatalities along a 65.2-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Wake Forest
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
F2 on February 11, 1981 — 800 yards wide.
Longest Path
F4 on November 28, 1988 — 83.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on September 27, 2024.
What the record shows near Wake Forest
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Wake Forest, with 12 of the 65 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 8 so far. The Wake Forest record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Wake Forest, 50 reached EF0 or EF1 and 15 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Wake Forest is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Wake Forest has averaged 1.1 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 23 in total. 2024 was the busiest of them with 5, and 6 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Wake Forest, NC had?
Since 1950, 65 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Wake Forest. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Wake Forest?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Wake Forest was an EF3 on April 16, 2011, which caused 6 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Wake Forest?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Wake Forest was an EF1 on September 27, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Wake Forest?
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