How many tornadoes has Winston-Salem, NC had?
Winston-Salem has had 59 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 5 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Winston-Salem?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Winston-Salem was an EF1 on May 26, 2022.
When is tornado season in Winston-Salem?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Winston-Salem, with 20 on record. April through June account for 26 of the 59 tornadoes on record near Winston-Salem.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
59
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
5
8.5% of total
Peak Month
May
20 on record
Per Year Avg
0.8
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Winston-Salem
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
1
2021
1
2020
0
2019
0
2018
0
2017
2
2016
2
2015
0
2014
0
2013
1
2012
0
2011
1
2010
4
2009
0
2008
5
2007
2
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
6
1960s
3
1970s
7
1980s
10
1990s
6
2000s
15
2010s
10
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
14
EF1
31
EF2
9
EF3
5
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
1
Feb
3
Mar
8
Apr
3
May
20
Jun
3
Jul
8
Aug
2
Sep
5
Oct
4
Nov
2
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Winston-Salem
3 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Winston-Salem since 1950, across 2 events. 97 injuries have been reported across all events. 2011 was the deadliest year on record near Winston-Salem.
The deadliest single event was an EF2 on November 16, 2011, which caused 2 fatalities along a 12.5-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Winston-Salem
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
F1 on November 22, 1992 — 800 yards wide.
Longest Path
F1 on March 30, 1960 — 56.2 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on May 26, 2022.
What the record shows near Winston-Salem
The 2000s were the busiest decade near Winston-Salem, with 15 of the 59 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 2 so far. The Winston-Salem record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Winston-Salem, 45 reached EF0 or EF1 and 14 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Winston-Salem is rated EF3, of which 5 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Winston-Salem has averaged 0.9 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 19 in total. 2008 was the busiest of them with 5, and 11 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Winston-Salem, NC had?
Since 1950, 59 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Winston-Salem. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Winston-Salem?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Winston-Salem was an EF2 on November 16, 2011, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Winston-Salem?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Winston-Salem, with 20 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 Winston-Salem?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Winston-Salem was an EF1 on May 26, 2022.
How do I get tornado warnings for Winston-Salem?
Vortex delivers real-time tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm alerts, and SPC outlook updates for any US location via push notification and phone call. Alerts are sourced directly from the National Weather Service and updated within seconds of issuance.
More Cities in North Carolina
Get real-time tornado alerts for Winston-Salem
Vortex monitors NWS warnings, SPC outlooks, and live radar — with push + phone call alerts when storms threaten your location.
Open the Vortex app →