How many tornadoes has Galveston, TX had?
Galveston has had 130 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 8 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Galveston?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Galveston was an EF1 on December 28, 2024.
When is tornado season in Galveston?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Galveston, with 19 on record. April through June account for 36 of the 130 tornadoes on record near Galveston.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
130
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
8
6.2% of total
Peak Month
August
19 on record
Per Year Avg
1.7
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Galveston
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
24 total, averaging 1.2 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
4
2023
0
2022
1
2021
2
2020
0
2019
1
2018
0
2017
4
2016
2
2015
0
2014
2
2013
0
2012
1
2011
1
2010
0
2009
3
2008
1
2007
2
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
10
1960s
14
1970s
23
1980s
29
1990s
18
2000s
18
2010s
11
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
76
EF1
34
EF2
12
EF3
7
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
6
Feb
7
Mar
10
Apr
4
May
16
Jun
16
Jul
12
Aug
19
Sep
11
Oct
13
Nov
9
Dec
7
Casualties on Record Near Galveston
9 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Galveston since 1950, across 2 events. 264 injuries have been reported across all events. 1961 was the deadliest year on record near Galveston.
The deadliest single event was an F4 on September 12, 1961, which caused 8 fatalities along a 1.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Galveston
Deadliest Tornado
F4 on September 12, 1961 — 8 fatalities, 1.0 mi path, 100 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F1 on August 31, 1981 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
EF3 on December 28, 2024 — 880 yards wide.
Longest Path
EF3 on December 28, 2024 — 67.9 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on December 28, 2024.
What the record shows near Galveston
The 1980s were the busiest decade near Galveston, with 29 of the 130 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 7 so far. The Galveston record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Galveston, 110 reached EF0 or EF1 and 20 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Galveston is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Galveston has averaged 1.2 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 24 in total. 2017 was the busiest of them with 4, and 8 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Galveston, TX had?
Since 1950, 130 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Galveston. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Galveston?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Galveston was an F4 on September 12, 1961, which caused 8 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Galveston?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Galveston, with 19 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 Galveston been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Galveston, 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 Galveston?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Galveston was an EF1 on December 28, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Galveston?
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