Tacoma, WA Tornado History — 17 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Tacoma, WA had?
Tacoma has had 17 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 violent (EF3+) tornado.
When was the most recent tornado near Tacoma?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Tacoma was an EF1 on October 18, 2019.
When is tornado season in Tacoma?
June is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Tacoma, with 4 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 Tacoma
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 5 total, averaging 0.3 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 Tacoma been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Tacoma from any of the 17 tornadoes since 1950, though 1 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Tacoma
About Tornadoes in Tacoma
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.
Tacoma, Washington has experienced 17 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. This relatively modest total reflects the Pacific Northwest's generally lower tornado frequency compared to regions farther east, though the area is not immune to these rotating storms. The city has seen no tornado-related fatalities on record, and the majority of events have been weak, with 6 rated EF0 and 9 rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest).
Tornado activity in the Tacoma area has varied considerably by decade. The 1960s recorded 3 tornadoes, followed by 2 in the 1970s and just 1 in the 1980s. Activity increased in the 2000s with 5 events, and the 2010s saw 4 tornadoes. June has been the peak month for tornado occurrence with 4 events, though tornadoes have struck during other months as well, including a notable December event. This seasonal pattern differs somewhat from the traditional spring peak seen in many other parts of the United States, reflecting the region's unique maritime climate influences.
The strongest tornado on record near Tacoma was an EF3 event, while an EF2 tornado on December 18, 2018 became the costliest, causing $1,180,000 in property damage along a 1.4-mile path with a maximum width of 285 yards. The widest tornado was an F1 that reached 400 yards across on June 28, 2001, traveling 2.3 miles without causing recorded property damage. The longest-tracked tornado was an EF1 on September 6, 2009, which carved a 9.6-mile path and caused $180,000 in damage. Most recently, an EF1 tornado touched down on October 19, 2019, producing $150,000 in damage along a 0.7-mile track.
While tornadoes remain relatively uncommon in the Tacoma area compared to more tornado-prone regions of the country, the historical record demonstrates that these storms do occur and can cause significant property damage even when remaining at lower intensity ratings. The absence of fatalities reflects both the generally weaker nature of Pacific Northwest tornadoes and the lower population density of affected areas.