How many tornadoes has Salem, VA had?
Salem has had 16 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Salem?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Salem was an EF1 on May 26, 2024.
When is tornado season in Salem?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Salem, with 4 on record. April through June account for 9 of the 16 tornadoes on record near Salem.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
16
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
0
0.0% of total
Peak Month
June
4 on record
Per Year Avg
0.2
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Salem
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
6 total, averaging 0.3 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
1
2023
0
2022
0
2021
1
2020
1
2019
0
2018
2
2017
0
2016
0
2015
0
2014
0
2013
0
2012
0
2011
0
2010
0
2009
0
2008
1
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
2
1970s
2
1980s
1
1990s
3
2000s
3
2010s
2
2020s
3
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
2
EF1
10
EF2
4
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
1
Apr
3
May
2
Jun
4
Jul
1
Aug
4
Sep
1
Oct
0
Nov
0
Dec
0
Have any tornadoes near Salem been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Salem from any of the 16 tornadoes since 1950, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Salem
Costliest Tornado
F1 on March 30, 1987 — est. ~$2.8M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F2 on May 17, 1953 — 880 yards wide.
Longest Path
F2 on April 4, 1974 — 6.5 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on May 26, 2024.
What the record shows near Salem
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Salem, with 3 of the 16 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 3 so far. The Salem record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Salem, 12 reached EF0 or EF1 and 4 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Salem is rated EF2, of which 4 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Salem has averaged 0.3 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 6 in total. 2018 was the busiest of them with 2, and 15 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Salem, VA had?
Since 1950, 16 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Salem. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
When is tornado season in Salem?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Salem, with 4 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 Salem?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Salem was an EF1 on May 26, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Salem?
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.
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