How many tornadoes has Virginia Beach, VA had?
Virginia Beach has had 51 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 2 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Virginia Beach?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Virginia Beach was an EF3 on April 30, 2023.
When is tornado season in Virginia Beach?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Virginia Beach, with 15 on record. April through June account for 13 of the 51 tornadoes on record near Virginia Beach.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
51
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
2
3.9% of total
Peak Month
August
15 on record
Per Year Avg
0.7
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Virginia Beach
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
13 total, averaging 0.7 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
0
2023
1
2022
0
2021
0
2020
0
2019
1
2018
0
2017
3
2016
0
2015
0
2014
4
2013
0
2012
1
2011
1
2010
0
2009
1
2008
1
2007
0
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
3
1960s
5
1970s
7
1980s
3
1990s
12
2000s
10
2010s
10
2020s
1
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
22
EF1
21
EF2
6
EF3
2
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
1
Feb
1
Mar
2
Apr
10
May
1
Jun
2
Jul
10
Aug
15
Sep
4
Oct
4
Nov
1
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Virginia Beach
1 fatality has been recorded within 25 miles of Virginia Beach since 1950, across 1 event. 245 injuries have been reported across all events. 1962 was the deadliest year on record near Virginia Beach.
The deadliest single event was an F1 on April 8, 1962, which caused 1 fatality along a 11.5-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Virginia Beach
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
EF3 on April 30, 2023.
What the record shows near Virginia Beach
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Virginia Beach, with 12 of the 51 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 1 so far. The Virginia Beach record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Virginia Beach, 43 reached EF0 or EF1 and 8 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Virginia Beach is rated EF3, of which 2 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Virginia Beach has averaged 0.7 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 13 in total. 2014 was the busiest of them with 4, and 12 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Virginia Beach, VA had?
Since 1950, 51 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Virginia Beach. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Virginia Beach?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Virginia Beach was an F1 on April 8, 1962, which caused 1 fatality.
When is tornado season in Virginia Beach?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Virginia Beach, with 15 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 Virginia Beach?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Virginia Beach was an EF3 on April 30, 2023.
How do I get tornado warnings for Virginia Beach?
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