Shoreline, WA Tornado History — 10 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Shoreline, WA had?
Shoreline has had 10 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Shoreline?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Shoreline was an EF2 on December 18, 2018.
When is tornado season in Shoreline?
December is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Shoreline, with 3 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 Shoreline
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 1 total, averaging 0.1 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 Shoreline been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Shoreline from any of the 10 tornadoes since 1950, though 1 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Shoreline
About Tornadoes in Shoreline
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.
Shoreline, Washington has experienced 10 tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records. This relatively modest total reflects the Pacific Northwest's position outside the nation's primary tornado corridors, where cool marine air and mountainous terrain typically inhibit the severe thunderstorm development that spawns most tornadoes.
The city's tornado activity shows an unusual seasonal pattern, with December accounting for three events—the peak month on record. This winter concentration differs markedly from the spring and early summer peaks common across much of the continental United States. Tornado occurrence has been sporadic across the decades, with three events each in the 1960s and 1970s, two in the 1990s, and one each in the 2000s and 2010s.
Most tornadoes near Shoreline have been weak, with four rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage. Three reached EF1 intensity, two achieved EF2 strength, and one attained EF3 status. The Enhanced Fujita scale ranges from EF0 (winds 65-85 mph) to EF5 (winds over 200 mph), with EF2 tornadoes producing winds of 111-135 mph capable of considerable structural damage.
The most significant tornado on record occurred on December 18, 2018, when an EF2 tornado carved a 1.4-mile path with a maximum width of 285 yards, causing $1,180,000 in property damage. This event also stands as the widest and most recent tornado in the area's history. The longest-tracked tornado was an F0 that traveled 5.2 miles on August 18, 1964, though it caused no reported property damage with its 30-yard width. Notably, no tornadoes within the 25-mile radius have resulted in fatalities since record-keeping began in 1950.