How many tornadoes has Laurel, VA had?
Laurel has had 81 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 3 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Laurel?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Laurel was an EF1 on August 8, 2024.
When is tornado season in Laurel?
September is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Laurel, with 23 on record. April through June account for 32 of the 81 tornadoes on record near Laurel.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
81
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
3
3.7% of total
Peak Month
September
23 on record
Per Year Avg
1.1
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Laurel
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
30 total, averaging 1.5 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
1
2023
0
2022
3
2021
0
2020
0
2019
0
2018
10
2017
1
2016
0
2015
1
2014
0
2013
0
2012
2
2011
4
2010
1
2009
0
2008
7
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
6
1960s
3
1970s
5
1980s
8
1990s
6
2000s
30
2010s
19
2020s
4
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
38
EF1
32
EF2
8
EF3
3
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
1
Feb
1
Mar
1
Apr
12
May
8
Jun
12
Jul
11
Aug
6
Sep
23
Oct
5
Nov
0
Dec
1
Casualties on Record Near Laurel
5 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Laurel since 1950, across 4 events. 25 injuries have been reported across all events. 1998 was the deadliest year on record near Laurel.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on April 1, 1998, which caused 2 fatalities along a 5.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Laurel
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on April 1, 1998 — 2 fatalities, 5.0 mi path, 400 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F3 on October 18, 1990 — est. ~$2.8M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
EF1 on August 8, 2024 — 700 yards wide.
Longest Path
EF0 on June 16, 2022 — 23.5 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on August 8, 2024.
What the record shows near Laurel
The 2000s were the busiest decade near Laurel, with 30 of the 81 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 4 so far. The Laurel record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Laurel, 70 reached EF0 or EF1 and 11 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Laurel is rated EF3, of which 3 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Laurel has averaged 1.5 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 30 in total. 2018 was the busiest of them with 10, and 11 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Laurel, VA had?
Since 1950, 81 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Laurel. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Laurel?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Laurel was an F3 on April 1, 1998, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Laurel?
September is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Laurel, with 23 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 Laurel?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Laurel was an EF1 on August 8, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Laurel?
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