How many tornadoes has Bristol, VA had?
Bristol has had 27 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 2 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Bristol?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Bristol was an EF0 on May 12, 2017.
When is tornado season in Bristol?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Bristol, with 12 on record. April through June account for 23 of the 27 tornadoes on record near Bristol.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
27
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
2
7.4% of total
Peak Month
April
12 on record
Per Year Avg
0.4
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Bristol
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
16 total, averaging 0.8 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
0
2022
0
2021
0
2020
0
2019
0
2018
0
2017
1
2016
0
2015
0
2014
2
2013
0
2012
1
2011
8
2010
0
2009
4
2008
0
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
2
1960s
1
1970s
3
1980s
1
1990s
3
2000s
5
2010s
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
14
EF1
9
EF2
2
EF3
2
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
1
Apr
12
May
5
Jun
6
Jul
2
Aug
0
Sep
0
Oct
1
Nov
0
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Bristol
6 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Bristol since 1950, across 3 events. 69 injuries have been reported across all events. 2011 was the deadliest year on record near Bristol.
The deadliest single event was an EF3 on April 28, 2011, which caused 3 fatalities along a 19.6-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Bristol
Deadliest Tornado
EF3 on April 28, 2011 — 3 fatalities, 19.6 mi path, 1,320 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF3 on April 28, 2011 — $5.3M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
F0 on April 4, 1974 — 2,500 yards wide.
Longest Path
EF3 on April 28, 2011 — 19.6 mile track.
Most Recent
EF0 on May 12, 2017.
What the record shows near Bristol
The 2010s are the busiest decade on record so far near Bristol, with 12 of the 27 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles. The Bristol record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Bristol, 23 reached EF0 or EF1 and 4 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Bristol is rated EF3, of which 2 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Bristol has averaged 0.8 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 16 in total. 2011 was the busiest of them with 8, and 15 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Bristol, VA had?
Since 1950, 27 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Bristol. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Bristol?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Bristol was an EF3 on April 28, 2011, which caused 3 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Bristol?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Bristol, with 12 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 Bristol?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Bristol was an EF0 on May 12, 2017.
How do I get tornado warnings for Bristol?
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