How many tornadoes has Lancaster, TX had?
Lancaster has had 178 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 13 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Lancaster?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lancaster was an EF1 on March 4, 2025.
When is tornado season in Lancaster?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lancaster, with 50 on record. April through June account for 105 of the 178 tornadoes on record near Lancaster.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
178
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
13
7.3% of total
Peak Month
April
50 on record
Per Year Avg
2.3
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Lancaster
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
53 total, averaging 2.6 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
1
2024
1
2023
2
2022
3
2021
5
2020
2
2019
7
2018
1
2017
2
2016
0
2015
9
2014
1
2013
1
2012
6
2011
3
2010
5
2009
0
2008
1
2007
3
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
8
1960s
10
1970s
43
1980s
9
1990s
42
2000s
17
2010s
35
2020s
14
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
86
EF1
53
EF2
24
EF3
11
EF4
2
Unrated
2
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
12
Feb
2
Mar
18
Apr
50
May
44
Jun
11
Jul
1
Aug
2
Sep
6
Oct
17
Nov
5
Dec
10
Casualties on Record Near Lancaster
23 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Lancaster since 1950, across 3 events. 965 injuries have been reported across all events. 2015 was the deadliest year on record near Lancaster.
The deadliest single event was an EF4 on December 26, 2015, which caused 10 fatalities along a 13.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Lancaster
Deadliest Tornado
EF4 on December 26, 2015 — 10 fatalities, 13.0 mi path, 550 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF3 on October 20, 2019 — $1.6B in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
F1 on December 14, 1971 — 1,760 yards wide.
Longest Path
F3 on October 12, 1969 — 45.9 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on March 4, 2025.
What the record shows near Lancaster
The 1970s were the busiest decade near Lancaster, with 43 of the 178 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 14 so far. The Lancaster record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Lancaster, 139 reached EF0 or EF1 and 37 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Lancaster is rated EF4, of which 2 are logged. A further 2 near Lancaster are unrated — events NOAA logged before a damage survey assigned a scale.
Across the last 20 years Lancaster has averaged 2.6 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 53 in total. 2015 was the busiest of them with 9, and 3 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Lancaster, TX had?
Since 1950, 178 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Lancaster. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Lancaster?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Lancaster was an EF4 on December 26, 2015, which caused 10 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Lancaster?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Lancaster, with 50 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 Lancaster been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Lancaster, there have been 0 EF5 and 2 EF4 tornadoes 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 Lancaster?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Lancaster was an EF1 on March 4, 2025.
How do I get tornado warnings for Lancaster?
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