How many tornadoes has Portsmouth, OH had?
Portsmouth has had 47 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 5 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Portsmouth?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Portsmouth was an EF1 on April 2, 2024.
When is tornado season in Portsmouth?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Portsmouth, with 12 on record. April through June account for 33 of the 47 tornadoes on record near Portsmouth.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
47
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
5
10.6% of total
Peak Month
April
12 on record
Per Year Avg
0.6
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Portsmouth
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
14 total, averaging 0.7 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
2
2023
0
2022
1
2021
0
2020
0
2019
1
2018
0
2017
1
2016
0
2015
0
2014
1
2013
0
2012
4
2011
3
2010
0
2009
1
2008
0
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
1
1960s
6
1970s
2
1980s
8
1990s
13
2000s
4
2010s
10
2020s
3
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
23
EF2
5
EF3
3
EF4
1
EF5
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
1
Mar
5
Apr
12
May
9
Jun
12
Jul
5
Aug
2
Sep
0
Oct
0
Nov
1
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Portsmouth
14 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Portsmouth since 1950, across 3 events. 489 injuries have been reported across all events. 1968 was the deadliest year on record near Portsmouth.
The deadliest single event was an F5 on April 23, 1968, which caused 7 fatalities along a 34.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Portsmouth
Deadliest Tornado
F5 on April 23, 1968 — 7 fatalities, 34.0 mi path, 400 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F4 on April 23, 1968 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F4 on April 23, 1968 — 550 yards wide.
Longest Path
F4 on April 23, 1968 — 78.7 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on April 2, 2024.
What the record shows near Portsmouth
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Portsmouth, with 13 of the 47 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 3 so far. The Portsmouth record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Portsmouth, 37 reached EF0 or EF1 and 10 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Portsmouth is rated EF5, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Portsmouth has averaged 0.7 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 14 in total. 2012 was the busiest of them with 4, and 12 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Portsmouth, OH had?
Since 1950, 47 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Portsmouth. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Portsmouth?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Portsmouth was an F5 on April 23, 1968, which caused 7 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Portsmouth?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Portsmouth, with 12 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 Portsmouth been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Portsmouth, there have been 1 EF5 and 1 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 Portsmouth?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Portsmouth was an EF1 on April 2, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Portsmouth?
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