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Erie, PA Tornado History — 27 Tornadoes Since 1950

Pennsylvania · 25-mile radius · NOAA Storm Prediction Center

How many tornadoes has Erie, PA had?

Erie has had 27 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 5 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.

When was the most recent tornado near Erie?

The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Erie was an EF2 on June 9, 2025.

When is tornado season in Erie?

May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Erie, with 7 on record. April through June account for 14 of the 27 tornadoes on record near Erie.

At a Glance

Tornadoes Since 1950
27
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
5
18.5% of total
Peak Month
May
7 on record
Per Year Avg
0.4
Across 76 years

Recent Tornado Activity Near Erie

The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 7 total, averaging 0.3 per year over this window.

2026 0
2025 1
2024 0
2023 1
2022 0
2021 0
2020 0
2019 0
2018 0
2017 1
2016 0
2015 0
2014 0
2013 2
2012 0
2011 0
2010 2
2009 0
2008 0
2007 0

What storm spotters reported near Erie

One local storm report has been filed within 25 miles of Erie and since confirmed into the NOAA archive, the earliest on June 9, 2025 and the most recent on June 9, 2025. It is already counted in the Erie totals above; quoted below is the narrative the reporting office filed at the time.

EF2° June 9, 2025
7 NW Wattsburg, Erie County, PA
An EF-2 tornado tracked northeast across Knowle Road. The tornado destroyed two barns and damaged the siding and windows of a home. Several large trees were blown down. (CLE)

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

Tornadoes by Decade

1950s 3
1960s 2
1970s 4
1980s 7
1990s 3
2000s 1
2010s 5
2020s 2

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 6
EF1 9
EF2 7
EF3 3
EF4 2

Tornadoes by Month

Jan 0
Feb 0
Mar 0
Apr 0
May 7
Jun 7
Jul 5
Aug 2
Sep 5
Oct 0
Nov 1
Dec 0

Casualties on Record Near Erie

14 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Erie since 1950, across 2 events. 106 injuries have been reported across all events. 1985 was the deadliest year on record near Erie.

The deadliest single event was an F4 on May 31, 1985, which caused 12 fatalities along a 14.0-mile track.

Notable Tornadoes Near Erie

Deadliest Tornado
F4 on May 31, 1985 — 12 fatalities, 14.0 mi path, 400 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F4 on May 31, 1985 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F3 on May 2, 1983 — 450 yards wide.
Longest Path
F3 on June 20, 1969 — 84.1 mile track.
Most Recent
EF2 on June 9, 2025.

What the record shows near Erie

The 1980s were the busiest decade near Erie, with 7 of the 27 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 2 so far. The Erie record runs from the 1950s to today.

Of the tornadoes rated near Erie, 15 reached EF0 or EF1 and 12 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Erie is rated EF4, of which 2 are logged.

Across the last 20 years Erie has averaged 0.3 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 7 in total. 2010 was the busiest of them with 2, and 15 of those years passed with none at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tornadoes has Erie, PA had?
Since 1950, 27 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Erie. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Erie?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Erie was an F4 on May 31, 1985, which caused 12 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Erie?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Erie, with 7 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 Erie been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Erie, 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 Erie?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Erie was an EF2 on June 9, 2025.
How do I get tornado warnings for Erie?
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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