How many tornadoes has Fairfax, VA had?
Fairfax has had 107 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 5 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Fairfax?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Fairfax was an EF1 on June 5, 2024.
When is tornado season in Fairfax?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Fairfax, with 18 on record. April through June account for 45 of the 107 tornadoes on record near Fairfax.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
107
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
5
4.7% of total
Peak Month
April
18 on record
Per Year Avg
1.4
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Fairfax
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
45 total, averaging 2.3 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
2
2023
1
2022
3
2021
2
2020
3
2019
1
2018
1
2017
7
2016
0
2015
1
2014
2
2013
2
2012
1
2011
12
2010
1
2009
0
2008
6
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
4
1960s
2
1970s
8
1980s
6
1990s
21
2000s
27
2010s
28
2020s
11
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
57
EF1
31
EF2
14
EF3
4
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
1
Feb
3
Mar
3
Apr
18
May
13
Jun
14
Jul
13
Aug
8
Sep
18
Oct
10
Nov
5
Dec
1
Casualties on Record Near Fairfax
7 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Fairfax since 1950, across 4 events. 251 injuries have been reported across all events. 2002 was the deadliest year on record near Fairfax.
The deadliest single event was an F4 on April 28, 2002, which caused 3 fatalities along a 38.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Fairfax
Deadliest Tornado
F4 on April 28, 2002 — 3 fatalities, 38.0 mi path, 650 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F3 on April 1, 1973 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F4 on April 28, 2002 — 650 yards wide.
Longest Path
F4 on April 28, 2002 — 38.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on June 5, 2024.
What the record shows near Fairfax
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Fairfax, with 28 of the 107 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 11 so far. The Fairfax record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Fairfax, 88 reached EF0 or EF1 and 19 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Fairfax is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Fairfax has averaged 2.3 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 45 in total. 2011 was the busiest of them with 12, and 5 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Fairfax, VA had?
Since 1950, 107 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Fairfax. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Fairfax?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Fairfax was an F4 on April 28, 2002, which caused 3 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Fairfax?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Fairfax, 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.
Has Fairfax been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Fairfax, 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 Fairfax?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Fairfax was an EF1 on June 5, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Fairfax?
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