How many tornadoes has South Riding, VA had?
South Riding has had 96 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 3 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near South Riding?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of South Riding was an EF1 on August 8, 2024.
When is tornado season in South Riding?
September is historically the peak month for tornadoes near South Riding, with 19 on record. April through June account for 37 of the 96 tornadoes on record near South Riding.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
96
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
3
3.1% of total
Peak Month
September
19 on record
Per Year Avg
1.3
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near South Riding
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
35 total, averaging 1.8 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
4
2023
1
2022
2
2021
1
2020
3
2019
1
2018
1
2017
6
2016
0
2015
2
2014
1
2013
1
2012
1
2011
8
2010
0
2009
0
2008
3
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
5
1960s
2
1970s
4
1980s
7
1990s
21
2000s
25
2010s
21
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
50
EF1
31
EF2
12
EF3
2
EF4
1
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
3
Mar
4
Apr
16
May
7
Jun
14
Jul
13
Aug
9
Sep
19
Oct
7
Nov
4
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near South Riding
1 fatality has been recorded within 25 miles of South Riding since 1950, across 1 event. 59 injuries have been reported across all events. 1979 was the deadliest year on record near South Riding.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on September 5, 1979, which caused 1 fatality along a 17.9-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near South Riding
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on September 5, 1979 — 1 fatality, 17.9 mi path, 300 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F3 on April 1, 1973 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
F1 on August 30, 2005 — 300 yards wide.
Longest Path
EF0 on June 13, 2013 — 20.1 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on August 8, 2024.
What the record shows near South Riding
The 2000s were the busiest decade near South Riding, with 25 of the 96 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 11 so far. The South Riding record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near South Riding, 81 reached EF0 or EF1 and 15 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near South Riding is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years South Riding has averaged 1.8 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 35 in total. 2011 was the busiest of them with 8, and 6 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has South Riding, VA had?
Since 1950, 96 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of South Riding. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near South Riding?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of South Riding was an F3 on September 5, 1979, which caused 1 fatality.
When is tornado season in South Riding?
September is historically the peak month for tornadoes near South Riding, 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.
Has South Riding been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of South Riding, 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 South Riding?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of South Riding was an EF1 on August 8, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for South Riding?
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