Roanoke, VA Tornado History — 21 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Roanoke, VA had?
Roanoke has had 21 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 strong to violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Roanoke?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Roanoke was an EF1 on September 27, 2024.
When is tornado season in Roanoke?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Roanoke, with 6 on record. April through June account for 14 of the 21 tornadoes on record near Roanoke.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Roanoke
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 10 total, averaging 0.5 per year over this window.
Tornadoes by Decade
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.
Tornadoes by Month
Have any tornadoes near Roanoke been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Roanoke from any of the 21 tornadoes since 1950, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Roanoke
What the record shows near Roanoke
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Roanoke, with 6 of the 21 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 3 so far. The Roanoke record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Roanoke, 15 reached EF0 or EF1 and 6 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Roanoke is rated EF3, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Roanoke has averaged 0.5 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 10 in total. 2018 was the busiest of them with 3, and 14 of those years passed with none at all.