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Lorain, OH Tornado History — 63 Tornadoes Since 1950

Ohio · 25-mile radius · NOAA Storm Prediction Center

How many tornadoes has Lorain, OH had?

Lorain has had 63 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 3 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.

When was the most recent tornado near Lorain?

The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lorain was an EF1 on June 18, 2025.

When is tornado season in Lorain?

August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lorain, with 18 on record. April through June account for 20 of the 63 tornadoes on record near Lorain.

At a Glance

Tornadoes Since 1950
63
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
3
4.8% of total
Peak Month
August
18 on record
Per Year Avg
0.8
Across 76 years

Recent Tornado Activity Near Lorain

The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 17 total, averaging 0.8 per year over this window.

2026 0
2025 1
2024 4
2023 4
2022 1
2021 0
2020 1
2019 0
2018 0
2017 1
2016 0
2015 0
2014 3
2013 0
2012 0
2011 1
2010 0
2009 0
2008 0
2007 1

What storm spotters reported near Lorain

One local storm report has been filed within 25 miles of Lorain and since confirmed into the NOAA archive, the earliest on June 18, 2025 and the most recent on June 18, 2025. It is already counted in the Lorain totals above; quoted below is the narrative the reporting office filed at the time.

EF1° June 19, 2025
4 W Wakeman, Huron County, OH
An NWS Cleveland Storm Survey determined that an EF-1 tornado occurred from near Collins in Huron County to northwest of Kipton in Lorain County. The tornado began near (CLE)

Source: National Weather Service and trained-spotter local storm reports, relayed by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.

Tornadoes by Decade

1950s 7
1960s 7
1970s 11
1980s 3
1990s 13
2000s 6
2010s 5
2020s 11

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 23
EF1 28
EF2 9
EF3 1
EF4 2

Tornadoes by Month

Jan 0
Feb 0
Mar 2
Apr 7
May 4
Jun 9
Jul 16
Aug 18
Sep 3
Oct 1
Nov 3
Dec 0

Casualties on Record Near Lorain

39 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Lorain since 1950, across 3 events. 628 injuries have been reported across all events. 1965 was the deadliest year on record near Lorain.

The deadliest single event was an F4 on April 11, 1965, which caused 18 fatalities along a 22.0-mile track.

Notable Tornadoes Near Lorain

Deadliest Tornado
F4 on April 11, 1965 — 18 fatalities, 22.0 mi path, 400 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F4 on April 11, 1965 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F2 on August 20, 1962 — 500 yards wide.
Longest Path
F4 on June 8, 1953 — 118.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on June 18, 2025.

What the record shows near Lorain

The 1990s were the busiest decade near Lorain, with 13 of the 63 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 11 so far. The Lorain record runs from the 1950s to today.

Of the tornadoes rated near Lorain, 51 reached EF0 or EF1 and 12 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Lorain is rated EF4, of which 2 are logged.

Across the last 20 years Lorain has averaged 0.8 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 17 in total. 2023 was the busiest of them with 4, and 11 of those years passed with none at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tornadoes has Lorain, OH had?
Since 1950, 63 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Lorain. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Lorain?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Lorain was an F4 on April 11, 1965, which caused 18 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Lorain?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lorain, 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 Lorain been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Lorain, there have been 0 EF5 and 2 EF4 tornadoes 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 Lorain?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lorain was an EF1 on June 18, 2025.
How do I get tornado warnings for Lorain?
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.

Official Resources

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