How many tornadoes has Portland, OR had?
Portland has had 32 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 strong to violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Portland?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Portland was an EF0 on October 11, 2023.
When is tornado season in Portland?
October is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Portland, with 9 on record. April through June account for 10 of the 32 tornadoes on record near Portland.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
32
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
1
3.1% of total
Peak Month
October
9 on record
Per Year Avg
0.4
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Portland
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
15 total, averaging 0.8 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
1
2022
0
2021
1
2020
2
2019
2
2018
2
2017
3
2016
0
2015
1
2014
0
2013
1
2012
0
2011
0
2010
0
2009
1
2008
1
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
1
1970s
2
1980s
2
1990s
6
2000s
8
2010s
9
2020s
4
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
22
EF1
8
EF2
1
EF3
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
1
Feb
0
Mar
2
Apr
4
May
3
Jun
3
Jul
1
Aug
1
Sep
3
Oct
9
Nov
3
Dec
2
Casualties on Record Near Portland
6 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Portland since 1950, across 1 event. 302 injuries have been reported across all events. 1972 was the deadliest year on record near Portland.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on April 5, 1972, which caused 6 fatalities along a 8.7-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Portland
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on April 5, 1972 — 6 fatalities, 8.7 mi path, 440 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F3 on April 5, 1972 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
EF1 on December 10, 2015 — 528 yards wide.
Longest Path
EF1 on January 10, 2008 — 10.1 mile track.
Most Recent
EF0 on October 11, 2023.
What the record shows near Portland
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Portland, with 9 of the 32 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 4 so far. The Portland record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Portland, 30 reached EF0 or EF1 and 2 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Portland is rated EF3, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Portland has averaged 0.8 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 15 in total. 2017 was the busiest of them with 3, and 10 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Portland, OR had?
Since 1950, 32 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Portland. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Portland?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Portland was an F3 on April 5, 1972, which caused 6 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Portland?
October is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Portland, with 9 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 Portland?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Portland was an EF0 on October 11, 2023.
How do I get tornado warnings for Portland?
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