How many tornadoes has Portsmouth, VA had?
Portsmouth has had 87 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 3 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Portsmouth?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Portsmouth was an EF0 on June 16, 2023.
When is tornado season in Portsmouth?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Portsmouth, with 19 on record. April through June account for 29 of the 87 tornadoes on record near Portsmouth.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
87
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
3
3.4% of total
Peak Month
August
19 on record
Per Year Avg
1.1
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Portsmouth
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
5
1960s
8
1970s
11
1980s
6
1990s
14
2000s
20
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
41
EF1
35
EF2
8
EF3
3
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
3
Feb
3
Mar
4
Apr
15
May
5
Jun
9
Jul
13
Aug
19
Sep
6
Oct
6
Nov
4
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Portsmouth
1 fatality has been recorded within 25 miles of Portsmouth since 1950, across 1 event. 250 injuries have been reported across all events. 1962 was the deadliest year on record near Portsmouth.
The deadliest single event was an F1 on April 8, 1962, which caused 1 fatality along a 11.5-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth
The 2000s were the busiest decade near Portsmouth, with 20 of the 87 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 7 so far. The Portsmouth record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Portsmouth, 76 reached EF0 or EF1 and 11 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Portsmouth is rated EF3, of which 3 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, VA had?
Since 1950, 87 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Portsmouth. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Portsmouth?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Portsmouth was an F1 on April 8, 1962, which caused 1 fatality.
When is tornado season in Portsmouth?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Portsmouth, with 19 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 Portsmouth?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Portsmouth was an EF0 on June 16, 2023.
How do I get tornado warnings for Portsmouth?
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