How many tornadoes has Spartanburg, SC had?
Spartanburg has had 82 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 4 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Spartanburg?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Spartanburg was an EF0 on December 29, 2024.
When is tornado season in Spartanburg?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Spartanburg, with 15 on record. April through June account for 28 of the 82 tornadoes on record near Spartanburg.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
82
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
4
4.9% of total
Peak Month
April
15 on record
Per Year Avg
1.1
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Spartanburg
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
29 total, averaging 1.4 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
3
2023
1
2022
1
2021
5
2020
3
2019
1
2018
0
2017
9
2016
1
2015
0
2014
1
2013
0
2012
0
2011
0
2010
2
2009
1
2008
0
2007
1
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
3
1960s
10
1970s
6
1980s
7
1990s
21
2000s
8
2010s
14
2020s
13
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
28
EF1
35
EF2
14
EF3
3
EF4
1
Unrated
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
1
Feb
5
Mar
8
Apr
15
May
9
Jun
4
Jul
5
Aug
11
Sep
2
Oct
12
Nov
4
Dec
6
Casualties on Record Near Spartanburg
4 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Spartanburg since 1950, across 2 events. 191 injuries have been reported across all events. 1989 was the deadliest year on record near Spartanburg.
The deadliest single event was an F4 on May 5, 1989, which caused 2 fatalities along a 15.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Spartanburg
Deadliest Tornado
F4 on May 5, 1989 — 2 fatalities, 15.0 mi path, 700 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F2 on March 28, 1984 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F4 on May 5, 1989 — 700 yards wide.
Longest Path
F3 on May 27, 1973 — 60.2 mile track.
Most Recent
EF0 on December 29, 2024.
What the record shows near Spartanburg
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Spartanburg, with 21 of the 82 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 13 so far. The Spartanburg record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Spartanburg, 63 reached EF0 or EF1 and 18 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Spartanburg is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged. A further 1 near Spartanburg is unrated — events NOAA logged before a damage survey assigned a scale.
Across the last 20 years Spartanburg has averaged 1.4 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 29 in total. 2017 was the busiest of them with 9, and 8 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Spartanburg, SC had?
Since 1950, 82 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Spartanburg. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Spartanburg?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Spartanburg was an F4 on May 5, 1989, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Spartanburg?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Spartanburg, with 15 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 Spartanburg been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Spartanburg, there has been 0 EF5 and 1 EF4 tornado 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 Spartanburg?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Spartanburg was an EF0 on December 29, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Spartanburg?
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