Salmon Creek, WA Tornado History — 27 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Salmon Creek, WA had?
Salmon Creek has had 27 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Salmon Creek?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Salmon Creek was an EF0 on October 11, 2023.
When is tornado season in Salmon Creek?
October is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Salmon Creek, with 5 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
Recent Tornado Activity Near Salmon Creek
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 13 total, averaging 0.7 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
Casualties on Record Near Salmon Creek
6 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Salmon Creek since 1950, across 1 event. 302 injuries have been reported across all events. 1972 was the deadliest year on record.
The deadliest single event was a F3 on April 5, 1972, which caused 6 fatalities along a 8.7-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Salmon Creek
About Tornadoes in Salmon Creek
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.
Salmon Creek, Washington has experienced 27 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. While tornadoes are relatively uncommon in the Pacific Northwest compared to the central United States, this area has seen a gradual increase in recorded events over recent decades, with seven tornadoes documented in both the 2000s and 2010s, compared to just two in each of the 1970s and 1980s.
The vast majority of tornadoes near Salmon Creek have been weak, with 19 rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage. Seven have been rated EF1, indicating slightly stronger winds capable of moderate damage. However, one EF3 tornado—a rare and significant event for the region—occurred on April 5, 1972. This tornado remains both the deadliest and costliest on record for the area, causing six fatalities and approximately $27.5 million in property damage along an 8.7-mile path with a maximum width of 440 yards.
October stands out as the peak month for tornado activity in the Salmon Creek vicinity, with five events recorded during that month. This pattern differs from the typical spring peak seen in much of the country, reflecting the Pacific Northwest's unique weather patterns driven by Pacific storm systems. The most recent tornado, an EF0 that touched down on October 11, 2023, caused no injuries or property damage along its half-mile path. The longest-tracked tornado occurred on January 10, 2008, traveling 10.1 miles as an EF1, while the widest reached 528 yards on December 10, 2015.
The increase in documented tornadoes since the 1990s may reflect improvements in detection technology, including Doppler radar and increased public reporting, rather than necessarily indicating a true increase in tornado frequency. Residents should remain aware that tornadoes can occur in western Washington, particularly during the fall and winter months when strong Pacific storm systems move through the region.