How many tornadoes has Chesapeake, VA had?
Chesapeake has had 84 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 3 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Chesapeake?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Chesapeake was an EF0 on June 16, 2023.
When is tornado season in Chesapeake?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Chesapeake, with 18 on record. April through June account for 28 of the 84 tornadoes on record near Chesapeake.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
84
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
3
3.6% of total
Peak Month
August
18 on record
Per Year Avg
1.1
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Chesapeake
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
26 total, averaging 1.3 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
2
2022
0
2021
2
2020
3
2019
4
2018
0
2017
3
2016
0
2015
0
2014
6
2013
0
2012
1
2011
2
2010
0
2009
2
2008
1
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
4
1960s
8
1970s
11
1980s
5
1990s
14
2000s
19
2010s
16
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
40
EF1
34
EF2
7
EF3
3
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
3
Feb
3
Mar
4
Apr
15
May
5
Jun
8
Jul
13
Aug
18
Sep
6
Oct
6
Nov
3
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Chesapeake
1 fatality has been recorded within 25 miles of Chesapeake since 1950, across 1 event. 250 injuries have been reported across all events. 1962 was the deadliest year on record near Chesapeake.
The deadliest single event was an F1 on April 8, 1962, which caused 1 fatality along a 11.5-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Chesapeake
Deadliest Tornado
F1 on April 8, 1962 — 1 fatality, 11.5 mi path, 10 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF3 on April 28, 2008 — $30.2M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
EF1 on June 1, 2012 — 500 yards wide.
Longest Path
EF3 on April 28, 2008 — 24.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF0 on June 16, 2023.
What the record shows near Chesapeake
The 2000s were the busiest decade near Chesapeake, with 19 of the 84 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 7 so far. The Chesapeake record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Chesapeake, 74 reached EF0 or EF1 and 10 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Chesapeake is rated EF3, of which 3 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Chesapeake has averaged 1.3 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 26 in total. 2014 was the busiest of them with 6, and 10 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Chesapeake, VA had?
Since 1950, 84 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Chesapeake. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Chesapeake?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Chesapeake was an F1 on April 8, 1962, which caused 1 fatality.
When is tornado season in Chesapeake?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Chesapeake, with 18 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 Chesapeake?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Chesapeake was an EF0 on June 16, 2023.
How do I get tornado warnings for Chesapeake?
Vortex delivers real-time tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm alerts, and SPC outlook updates for any US location via push notification and phone call. Alerts are sourced directly from the National Weather Service and updated within seconds of issuance.
Get real-time tornado alerts for Chesapeake
Vortex monitors NWS warnings, SPC outlooks, and live radar — with push + phone call alerts when storms threaten your location.
Open the Vortex app →