Portsmouth, RI Tornado History — 21 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Portsmouth, RI had?
Portsmouth has had 21 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Portsmouth?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Portsmouth was an EF1 on June 26, 2024.
When is tornado season in Portsmouth?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Portsmouth, with 9 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 Portsmouth
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 9 total, averaging 0.5 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 Portsmouth been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Portsmouth from any of the 21 tornadoes since 1950, though 24 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Portsmouth
About Tornadoes in Portsmouth
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.
Portsmouth, Rhode Island has experienced 21 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records. Unlike much of the central United States where spring marks peak tornado season, this coastal New England area sees its highest activity in August, which accounts for nine of the recorded events. The tornadoes have been distributed relatively evenly across recent decades, with a notable uptick in the 2020s recording six tornadoes so far, compared to just one during the entire 2000s.
The intensity distribution reflects the typical pattern for the Northeast, where violent tornadoes are rare. Of the 21 tornadoes on record, nine were rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage to structures and vegetation. Another nine reached EF1 intensity, while three attained EF2 status. The Enhanced Fujita scale ranges from EF0, indicating wind speeds of 65-85 mph with light damage, to EF5, with winds exceeding 200 mph. No fatalities have been recorded from any tornado event in the area since record-keeping began in 1950.
The most significant tornado by property damage occurred on August 7, 1986, when an F2-rated tornado carved a 4.0-mile path with a maximum width of 1,000 yards, causing $2.75 million in damage. This event also holds the record as the widest tornado in the area's history. The longest-tracked tornado occurred more recently on August 18, 2023, when an EF2 tornado traveled 9.1 miles with a maximum width of 250 yards, resulting in $250,000 in property damage.
The most recent tornado touched down on June 27, 2024, rated EF1 with an 8.6-mile path length and maximum width of 100 yards. It caused an estimated $60,000 in property damage but resulted in no injuries or fatalities. The historical record shows a gradual increase in tornado frequency from one event in the 1950s to six already recorded in the current decade, though this may partly reflect improvements in detection and reporting technology over the past 75 years.