West Linn, OR Tornado History — 23 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has West Linn, OR had?
West Linn has had 23 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near West Linn?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of West Linn was an EF0 on October 24, 2022.
When is tornado season in West Linn?
October is historically the peak month for tornadoes near West Linn, 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 West Linn
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 11 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 West Linn
6 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of West Linn 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 West Linn
About Tornadoes in West Linn
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.
West Linn, Oregon, experiences tornadoes far less frequently than many regions of the United States, but the area is not immune to these severe weather events. According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, 23 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of West Linn since 1950. The majority of these tornadoes have been weak, with 15 rated EF0 and 6 rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage. However, two stronger tornadoes—one EF2 and one EF3—have occurred in the area's recorded history.
The most significant tornado event near West Linn took place on April 5, 1972, when an F3 tornado carved an 8.7-mile path with a maximum width of 440 yards. This tornado resulted in 6 fatalities and caused $27.5 million in property damage, making it both the deadliest and costliest tornado on record for the area. The F3 rating indicates estimated wind speeds between 158 and 206 mph, capable of causing severe structural damage to well-built homes and tossing vehicles considerable distances.
Tornado activity near West Linn shows an unusual seasonal pattern compared to the national norm. While tornadoes across much of the country peak during spring and early summer, October stands out as the most active month locally, with 10 tornadoes recorded during that month since 1950. This pattern reflects the Pacific Northwest's distinct weather regime, where autumn storms moving inland from the Pacific Ocean can occasionally produce tornadic conditions. The area has seen a modest increase in recorded tornado frequency in recent decades, with 6 tornadoes in the 1990s, 5 in the 2000s, and 6 in the 2010s, compared to just 3 tornadoes total in the three decades from 1950 through 1980.
The most recent tornado near West Linn occurred on October 24, 2022, when an EF0 tornado with a maximum width of just 17 yards caused $25,000 in property damage. The longest-tracked tornado on record was an EF1 event on January 10, 2008, which traveled 10.1 miles and reached a maximum width of 440 yards, causing $525,000 in damage but no fatalities.