Tigard, OR Tornado History — 25 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Tigard, OR had?
Tigard has had 25 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Tigard?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Tigard was an EF0 on October 24, 2022.
When is tornado season in Tigard?
October is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Tigard, with 10 on record. Spring through early summer (April–June) generally sees the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Tigard
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 12 total, averaging 0.6 per year over this window.
Tornadoes by Decade
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.
Tornadoes by Month
Casualties on Record Near Tigard
6 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Tigard since 1950, across 1 event. 300 injuries have been reported across all events. 1972 was the deadliest year on record.
The deadliest single event was a F3 on April 5, 1972, which caused 6 fatalities along a 8.7-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Tigard
About Tornadoes in Tigard
This overview was written April 23, 2026. The tornado counts and notable-event figures elsewhere on this page reflect the latest data and may differ from this summary.
Tigard, Oregon experiences tornadoes less frequently than many regions of the United States, but the area is not immune to these powerful storms. According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, 24 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Tigard since 1950, with activity increasing notably in recent decades. While only one tornado occurred in the 1950s and one in the 1980s, the 2010s saw seven events, reflecting improved detection technology and reporting practices alongside genuine meteorological variability.
The vast majority of tornadoes near Tigard have been relatively weak, with 15 rated EF0 and 7 rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage. However, the region has experienced stronger events: one EF2 tornado and one EF3 tornado have been documented. The most significant tornado on record struck on April 5, 1972, when an F3 tornado carved an 8.7-mile path with a maximum width of 440 yards, causing six fatalities and approximately $27.5 million in property damage. This event remains both the deadliest and costliest tornado in the area's recorded history.
Unlike much of the central United States where tornado season peaks in spring and early summer, the Tigard area shows a distinct pattern with October as the peak month, accounting for 10 of the 24 recorded events. This reflects the Pacific Northwest's unique meteorological conditions, where autumn systems can generate tornadic activity. The most recent tornado occurred on October 24, 2022, a brief EF0 event with a maximum width of just 17 yards that caused $25,000 in property damage. The longest-tracked tornado near Tigard was an EF1 that traveled 10.1 miles on January 10, 2008, also reaching a maximum width of 440 yards and causing $525,000 in damage.
While tornadoes remain relatively uncommon in the Pacific Northwest compared to other regions, the historical record demonstrates that Tigard-area residents should maintain awareness of severe weather potential, particularly during the autumn months when atmospheric conditions can occasionally support tornado development.