How many tornadoes has Oak Ridge, TN had?
Oak Ridge has had 43 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 4 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Oak Ridge?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Oak Ridge was an EF1 on May 20, 2025.
When is tornado season in Oak Ridge?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Oak Ridge, with 10 on record. April through June account for 28 of the 43 tornadoes on record near Oak Ridge.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
43
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
4
9.3% of total
Peak Month
April
10 on record
Per Year Avg
0.6
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Oak Ridge
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
20 total, averaging 1.0 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
2
2024
0
2023
2
2022
0
2021
3
2020
0
2019
1
2018
0
2017
0
2016
0
2015
0
2014
1
2013
0
2012
2
2011
8
2010
1
2009
0
2008
0
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
2
1960s
2
1970s
3
1980s
2
1990s
8
2000s
6
2010s
13
2020s
7
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
18
EF1
11
EF2
10
EF3
4
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
5
Mar
4
Apr
10
May
10
Jun
8
Jul
0
Aug
2
Sep
0
Oct
2
Nov
2
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Oak Ridge
10 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Oak Ridge since 1950, across 3 events. 101 injuries have been reported across all events. 2002 was the deadliest year on record near Oak Ridge.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on November 10, 2002, which caused 7 fatalities along a 8.3-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Oak Ridge
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on November 10, 2002 — 7 fatalities, 8.3 mi path, 300 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
EF1 on May 20, 2025.
What the record shows near Oak Ridge
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Oak Ridge, with 13 of the 43 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 7 so far. The Oak Ridge record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Oak Ridge, 29 reached EF0 or EF1 and 14 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Oak Ridge is rated EF3, of which 4 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Oak Ridge has averaged 1.0 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 20 in total. 2011 was the busiest of them with 8, and 12 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Oak Ridge, TN had?
Since 1950, 43 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Oak Ridge. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Oak Ridge?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Oak Ridge was an F3 on November 10, 2002, which caused 7 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Oak Ridge?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Oak Ridge, with 10 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 Oak Ridge?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Oak Ridge was an EF1 on May 20, 2025.
How do I get tornado warnings for Oak Ridge?
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