How many tornadoes has South Houston, TX had?
South Houston has had 301 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 9 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near South Houston?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of South Houston was an EF2 on December 28, 2024, causing 1 fatality.
When is tornado season in South Houston?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near South Houston, with 46 on record. April through June account for 91 of the 301 tornadoes on record near South Houston.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
301
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
9
3.0% of total
Peak Month
May
46 on record
Per Year Avg
4.0
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near South Houston
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
53 total, averaging 2.6 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
3
2023
3
2022
5
2021
0
2020
1
2019
3
2018
1
2017
16
2016
2
2015
9
2014
1
2013
0
2012
4
2011
1
2010
1
2009
1
2008
1
2007
1
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
14
1960s
17
1970s
73
1980s
55
1990s
48
2000s
44
2010s
38
2020s
12
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
154
EF1
102
EF2
36
EF3
8
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
20
Feb
20
Mar
27
Apr
20
May
46
Jun
25
Jul
11
Aug
38
Sep
16
Oct
33
Nov
32
Dec
13
Casualties on Record Near South Houston
9 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of South Houston since 1950, across 9 events. 420 injuries have been reported across all events. 1983 was the deadliest year on record near South Houston.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on December 13, 1977, which caused 1 fatality along a 25.1-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near South Houston
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on December 13, 1977 — 1 fatality, 25.1 mi path, 400 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F4 on November 21, 1992 — est. ~$275.0M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F4 on November 21, 1992 — 1,800 yards wide.
Longest Path
F4 on November 21, 1992 — 30.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF2 on December 28, 2024 — 1 fatality.
What the record shows near South Houston
The 1970s were the busiest decade near South Houston, with 73 of the 301 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 12 so far. The South Houston record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near South Houston, 256 reached EF0 or EF1 and 45 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near South Houston is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years South Houston has averaged 2.6 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 53 in total. 2017 was the busiest of them with 16, and 4 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has South Houston, TX had?
Since 1950, 301 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of South Houston. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near South Houston?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of South Houston was an F3 on December 13, 1977, which caused 1 fatality.
When is tornado season in South Houston?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near South Houston, with 46 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 South Houston been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of South Houston, 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 South Houston?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of South Houston was an EF2 on December 28, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for South Houston?
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