Payson, UT Tornado History — 9 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Payson, UT had?
Payson has had 9 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Payson?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Payson was an Unrated on July 13, 2021.
When is tornado season in Payson?
September is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Payson, with 3 on record. Spring through early summer (April–June) generally sees the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Payson
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 2 total, averaging 0.1 per year over this window.
Tornadoes by Decade
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.
Tornadoes by Month
Have any tornadoes near Payson been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Payson from any of the 9 tornadoes since 1950. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Payson
About Tornadoes in Payson
This overview was written April 23, 2026. The tornado counts and notable-event figures elsewhere on this page reflect the latest data and may differ from this summary.
Payson, Utah has experienced nine documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. This modest total reflects the generally lower tornado frequency characteristic of the Intermountain West compared to the central and southeastern United States. The tornadoes on record have been concentrated in specific decades, with two events each in the 1960s, 1980s, and 2000s, and single tornadoes documented in the 1970s, 2010s, and 2020s.
The intensity distribution of these tornadoes has been notably mild. Six events were rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado strength based on observed damage, while two reached EF1 intensity. One tornado remains unrated in the historical record. This pattern of weak tornadoes is consistent with the atmospheric conditions typical of Utah's high-elevation terrain, where the ingredients necessary for violent tornado development are less frequently present than in lower-elevation regions with greater moisture availability.
Interestingly, September has been the peak month for tornado activity near Payson, accounting for three of the nine recorded events. This late-summer timing differs from the traditional spring peak observed across much of the nation's midsection, likely reflecting the unique seasonal weather patterns of the Great Basin and surrounding mountain ranges. The most notable tornado in the area's history occurred on September 14, 1982, an F0-rated event that caused $27,500 in property damage while traveling a half-mile path with a maximum width of 17 yards. This tornado holds the distinction of being simultaneously the costliest, widest, and longest-tracked tornado on record for the area.
No tornadoes within 25 miles of Payson have resulted in fatalities since record-keeping began in 1950. The most recent documented tornado touched down on July 13, 2021, traveling 0.2 miles with a maximum width of just 10 yards and causing no property damage. This event remains unrated in the official database.