How many tornadoes has Sterling, VA had?
Sterling has had 103 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 3 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Sterling?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Sterling was an EF1 on August 8, 2024.
When is tornado season in Sterling?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Sterling, with 20 on record. April through June account for 44 of the 103 tornadoes on record near Sterling.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
103
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
3
2.9% of total
Peak Month
June
20 on record
Per Year Avg
1.4
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Sterling
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
44 total, averaging 2.2 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
4
2023
1
2022
3
2021
2
2020
4
2019
1
2018
1
2017
7
2016
0
2015
2
2014
2
2013
1
2012
3
2011
6
2010
0
2009
2
2008
5
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
6
1960s
3
1970s
5
1980s
6
1990s
21
2000s
25
2010s
23
2020s
14
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
52
EF1
38
EF2
10
EF3
3
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
5
Mar
3
Apr
15
May
9
Jun
20
Jul
16
Aug
8
Sep
17
Oct
6
Nov
4
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Sterling
3 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Sterling since 1950, across 2 events. 114 injuries have been reported across all events. 2001 was the deadliest year on record near Sterling.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on September 24, 2001, which caused 2 fatalities along a 17.5-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Sterling
Deadliest Tornado
F3 on September 24, 2001 — 2 fatalities, 17.5 mi path, 200 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F3 on April 1, 1973 — est. ~$27.5M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
EF1 on July 31, 2009 — 350 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 Sterling
The 2000s were the busiest decade near Sterling, with 25 of the 103 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 14 so far. The Sterling record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Sterling, 90 reached EF0 or EF1 and 13 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Sterling is rated EF3, of which 3 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Sterling has averaged 2.2 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 44 in total. 2017 was the busiest of them with 7, and 5 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Sterling, VA had?
Since 1950, 103 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Sterling. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Sterling?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Sterling was an F3 on September 24, 2001, which caused 2 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Sterling?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Sterling, with 20 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 Sterling?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Sterling was an EF1 on August 8, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Sterling?
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.
Get real-time tornado alerts for Sterling
Vortex monitors NWS warnings, SPC outlooks, and live radar — with push + phone call alerts when storms threaten your location.
Open the Vortex app →