How many tornadoes has Knoxville, TN had?
Knoxville has had 46 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 4 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Knoxville?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Knoxville was an EF2 on August 7, 2023.
When is tornado season in Knoxville?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Knoxville, with 15 on record. April through June account for 31 of the 46 tornadoes on record near Knoxville.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
46
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
4
8.7% of total
Peak Month
April
15 on record
Per Year Avg
0.6
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Knoxville
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
22 total, averaging 1.1 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
2
2022
0
2021
0
2020
0
2019
2
2018
0
2017
0
2016
0
2015
0
2014
0
2013
1
2012
4
2011
12
2010
1
2009
0
2008
0
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
2
1960s
1
1970s
7
1980s
2
1990s
7
2000s
5
2010s
20
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
22
EF1
12
EF2
8
EF3
3
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
1
Feb
3
Mar
6
Apr
15
May
7
Jun
9
Jul
1
Aug
1
Sep
0
Oct
2
Nov
1
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Knoxville
3 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Knoxville since 1950, across 2 events. 96 injuries have been reported across all events. 1974 was the deadliest year on record near Knoxville.
The deadliest single event was an F1 on April 4, 1974, which caused 2 fatalities along a 1.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Knoxville
Deadliest Tornado
F1 on April 4, 1974 — 2 fatalities, 1.0 mi path, 150 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF2 on August 7, 2023 — $3.7M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
F2 on March 25, 1955 — 1,760 yards wide.
Longest Path
F3 on February 21, 1993 — 30.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF2 on August 7, 2023.
What the record shows near Knoxville
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Knoxville, with 20 of the 46 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 2 so far. The Knoxville record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Knoxville, 34 reached EF0 or EF1 and 12 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Knoxville is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Knoxville has averaged 1.1 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 22 in total. 2011 was the busiest of them with 12, and 14 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Knoxville, TN had?
Since 1950, 46 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Knoxville. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Knoxville?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Knoxville was an F1 on April 4, 1974, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Knoxville?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Knoxville, 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 Knoxville been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Knoxville, 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 Knoxville?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Knoxville was an EF2 on August 7, 2023.
How do I get tornado warnings for Knoxville?
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