Bristol, RI Tornado History — 26 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Bristol, RI had?
Bristol has had 26 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Bristol?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Bristol was an EF1 on June 26, 2024.
When is tornado season in Bristol?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Bristol, 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 Bristol
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 13 total, averaging 0.7 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
Have any tornadoes near Bristol been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Bristol from any of the 26 tornadoes since 1950, though 28 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Bristol
About Tornadoes in Bristol
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.
Bristol, Rhode Island has experienced 26 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. Unlike much of the central United States where tornadoes peak in spring, this coastal New England area sees its highest tornado activity in August, which has accounted for 10 of the recorded events. The 2020s have been notably active with 9 tornadoes already recorded through 2024, representing the most active decade in the historical record.
The intensity distribution of tornadoes near Bristol has remained relatively modest. Of the 26 recorded events, 10 were rated EF0 (the weakest category on the Enhanced Fujita scale), 13 were rated EF1, and only 3 reached EF2 intensity. Remarkably, none of the tornadoes on record resulted in fatalities, though several caused significant property damage. The costliest and widest tornado occurred on August 7, 1986, when an F2-rated storm carved a 4.0-mile path with a maximum width of 1000 yards, causing $2,750,000 in property damage.
More recent tornado activity includes an EF2 event on August 18, 2023, which traced the longest path on record at 9.1 miles with a maximum width of 250 yards and caused $250,000 in damage. The most recent tornado struck on June 27, 2024, rated EF1 with an 8.6-mile path length, 100-yard maximum width, and $60,000 in property damage. Historical patterns show relatively consistent activity from the 1960s through the 1990s, with 3 tornadoes recorded in each of those decades, followed by a quieter period in the 2000s with just one event before activity increased again in recent years.