How many tornadoes has Wilkes-Barre, PA had?
Wilkes-Barre has had 46 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 strong to violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Wilkes-Barre?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Wilkes-Barre was an EF1 on August 12, 2023.
When is tornado season in Wilkes-Barre?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Wilkes-Barre, with 11 on record. April through June account for 19 of the 46 tornadoes on record near Wilkes-Barre.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
46
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
1
2.2% of total
Peak Month
July
11 on record
Per Year Avg
0.6
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Wilkes-Barre
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
16 total, averaging 0.8 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
2
2022
0
2021
0
2020
0
2019
4
2018
4
2017
1
2016
0
2015
0
2014
1
2013
0
2012
1
2011
0
2010
1
2009
2
2008
0
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1960s
5
1970s
1
1980s
11
1990s
11
2000s
4
2010s
12
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
15
EF1
21
EF2
9
EF3
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
2
Feb
1
Mar
1
Apr
4
May
9
Jun
6
Jul
11
Aug
5
Sep
2
Oct
3
Nov
1
Dec
1
Casualties on Record Near Wilkes-Barre
2 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Wilkes-Barre since 1950, across 1 event. 40 injuries have been reported across all events. 1998 was the deadliest year on record near Wilkes-Barre.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on June 2, 1998, which caused 2 fatalities along a 26.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Wilkes-Barre
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on June 2, 1998 — 2 fatalities, 26.0 mi path, 500 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF2 on June 13, 2018 — $5.0M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
F1 on May 31, 1985 — 530 yards wide.
Longest Path
F3 on June 2, 1998 — 26.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on August 12, 2023.
What the record shows near Wilkes-Barre
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Wilkes-Barre, with 12 of the 46 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 2 so far. The Wilkes-Barre record runs from the 1960s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Wilkes-Barre, 36 reached EF0 or EF1 and 10 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Wilkes-Barre is rated EF3, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Wilkes-Barre has averaged 0.8 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 16 in total. 2018 was the busiest of them with 4, and 12 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Wilkes-Barre, PA had?
Since 1950, 46 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Wilkes-Barre. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Wilkes-Barre?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Wilkes-Barre was an F3 on June 2, 1998, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Wilkes-Barre?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Wilkes-Barre, with 11 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 Wilkes-Barre?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Wilkes-Barre was an EF1 on August 12, 2023.
How do I get tornado warnings for Wilkes-Barre?
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