Spanaway, WA Tornado History — 12 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Spanaway, WA had?
Spanaway has had 12 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Spanaway?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Spanaway was an EF1 on January 18, 2015.
When is tornado season in Spanaway?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Spanaway, 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 Spanaway
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 Spanaway been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Spanaway from any of the 12 tornadoes since 1950. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Spanaway
About Tornadoes in Spanaway
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.
Spanaway, Washington has experienced 12 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 generally lower tornado frequency compared to the central United States, though the region is not immune to these events. All recorded tornadoes have been rated EF0 or EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, indicating wind speeds below 110 mph, and notably, none on record have resulted in fatalities.
Tornado activity in the Spanaway area has been distributed unevenly across the decades. The 1970s and 1990s each saw two tornadoes, while only one occurred during the 1980s. Activity increased somewhat in the 2000s with four events, followed by three in the 2010s. Of the 12 total tornadoes, five were rated EF0 and seven reached EF1 intensity. June has been the most active month historically, accounting for three tornadoes, though these storms can occur outside the traditional spring season that dominates tornado climatology in other parts of the country.
The costliest tornado on record struck on September 6, 2009, an EF1 event that caused $180,000 in property damage while traveling 9.6 miles with a maximum width of 170 yards. This same tornado also holds the record as the longest-tracked in the area. The widest tornado occurred on June 28, 2001, when an F1 tornado reached 400 yards across during its 2.3-mile path, though it caused no reported property damage. The most recent tornado touched down on January 18, 2015, an EF1 that traveled 4.1 miles with a width of 175 yards but likewise resulted in no damage or injuries.
The Enhanced Fujita scale, used since 2007 to rate tornado intensity, estimates wind speeds based on observed damage to structures and vegetation. EF0 tornadoes produce winds of 65-85 mph, while EF1 tornadoes generate winds of 86-110 mph. The absence of fatalities across all recorded events in the Spanaway area reflects both the relatively weak nature of these tornadoes and the lower population density typical of the region compared to more tornado-prone areas of the nation.