Sunnyside, WA Tornado History — 5 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Sunnyside, WA had?
Sunnyside has had 5 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Sunnyside?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Sunnyside was an EF0 on August 13, 2014.
When is tornado season in Sunnyside?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Sunnyside, 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
Recent Tornado Activity Near Sunnyside
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 Sunnyside been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Sunnyside from any of the 5 tornadoes since 1950. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Sunnyside
About Tornadoes in Sunnyside
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.
Sunnyside, Washington has experienced relatively modest tornado activity since modern record-keeping began in 1950, with five tornadoes documented within 25 miles of the city according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. All five events have been rated EF0, the weakest classification on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage to structures and vegetation. None of these tornadoes resulted in fatalities or recorded property damage, reflecting both their limited strength and the region's lower population density compared to more tornado-prone areas of the United States.
The majority of Sunnyside's tornado activity occurred during the 2000s, when four tornadoes were recorded in the area. An additional tornado touched down in the 2010s, bringing the total to five events over more than seven decades. April has been the most active month historically, accounting for two of the five tornadoes, though events have also occurred in May, June, and August. This seasonal distribution aligns with general patterns across the western United States, where spring and early summer provide the atmospheric instability and wind shear necessary for tornado development, albeit less frequently than in the Great Plains.
The widest tornado on record near Sunnyside occurred on May 16, 2000, reaching a maximum width of 50 yards during its 0.2-mile path. The longest-tracked tornado touched down on June 7, 2004, traveling half a mile with a maximum width of 20 yards. Most recently, an EF0 tornado was documented on August 14, 2014, which carved a 0.3-mile path with a maximum width of 15 yards. The compact dimensions of these tornadoes are typical of EF0 events, which produce wind speeds between 65 and 85 miles per hour—strong enough to damage trees and roofs but generally not severe to well-built structures.
While tornadoes remain relatively uncommon in the Sunnyside area compared to regions farther east, the historical record demonstrates that the atmospheric conditions capable of producing them do occur periodically in south-central Washington. Residents should remain aware of severe weather warnings during the spring and summer months when tornado formation is most likely.