Bothell, WA Tornado History — 9 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Bothell, WA had?
Bothell has had 9 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Bothell?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Bothell was a F0 on June 16, 2006.
When is tornado season in Bothell?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Bothell, with 2 on record. Spring through early summer (April–June) generally sees the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
At a Glance
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 Bothell been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Bothell from any of the 9 tornadoes since 1950, though 1 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Bothell
About Tornadoes in Bothell
This overview was written April 23, 2026. The tornado counts and notable-event figures elsewhere on this page reflect the latest data and may differ from this summary.
Bothell, Washington has experienced 9 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records. This relatively modest total reflects the Pacific Northwest's infrequent tornado activity compared to regions farther east, though the area is not entirely immune to these events. None of the recorded tornadoes resulted in fatalities, and the majority remained weak, with 5 rated EF0 and only 2 reaching EF1 intensity.
The most significant tornado on record occurred on December 12, 1969, when an F3-rated storm carved a 3.8-mile path with a maximum width of 100 yards. Despite its intensity—unusual for the region—this tornado caused $275,000 in property damage but no deaths. The longest-tracked tornado touched down on August 18, 1964, traveling 5.2 miles as an F0 with a narrow 30-yard width and causing no reported damage. An F1 tornado on October 26, 1971 holds the record for maximum width at 100 yards, matching the 1969 event, while producing $27,500 in damage along a 3-mile path.
Tornado activity near Bothell peaked during the 1960s with 3 events, followed by 2 tornadoes each in the 1970s, 1990s, and 2000s. June has been the most active month historically, accounting for 2 tornadoes, though events have occurred across multiple seasons including the December 1969 storm. The most recent tornado touched down on June 16, 2006, as a brief EF0 that traveled half a mile with a 50-yard width and caused no damage.
The Enhanced Fujita scale, used to rate tornado intensity based on damage indicators, ranges from EF0 (winds 65-85 mph) to EF5 (winds over 200 mph). The presence of one F3 tornado in the historical record demonstrates that while rare, the Pacific Northwest can occasionally experience tornadoes of considerable strength. Residents should remain aware that tornadoes, though infrequent in western Washington, represent a real if uncommon meteorological hazard.