Des Moines, WA Tornado History — 14 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Des Moines, WA had?
Des Moines has had 14 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 strong to violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Des Moines?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Des Moines was an EF2 on December 18, 2018.
When is tornado season in Des Moines?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Des Moines, with 4 on record. April through June account for 6 of the 14 tornadoes on record near Des Moines.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Des Moines
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 4 total, averaging 0.2 per year over this window.
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 Des Moines been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Des Moines from any of the 14 tornadoes since 1950, though 1 injuries have been reported, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Des Moines
What the record shows near Des Moines
The 1960s were the busiest decade near Des Moines, with 3 of the 14 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2010s have produced 3 so far. The Des Moines record runs from the 1960s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Des Moines, 12 reached EF0 or EF1 and 2 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Des Moines is rated EF3, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Des Moines has averaged 0.2 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 4 in total. 2009 was the busiest of them with 1, and 16 of those years passed with none at all.