Tumwater, WA Tornado History — 8 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Tumwater, WA had?
Tumwater has had 8 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Tumwater?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Tumwater was an EF1 on October 18, 2019.
When is tornado season in Tumwater?
October is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Tumwater, 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 Tumwater
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 2 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 Tumwater been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Tumwater from any of the 8 tornadoes since 1950. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Tumwater
About Tornadoes in Tumwater
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.
Tumwater, Washington has experienced 8 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 the central United States, though the region is not immune to these weather events. The tornadoes recorded near Tumwater have been predominantly weak, with 4 rated EF0 and 2 rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage. One tornado reached F2 intensity, and one remains unrated in historical records.
The temporal distribution shows sporadic activity across the decades. The area recorded one tornado in the 1960s, another in the 1980s, and one in the 1990s. Activity increased somewhat in the 2000s with 3 tornadoes, followed by 2 in the 2010s. October stands out as the peak month for tornado occurrence near Tumwater, accounting for 3 of the 8 recorded events. This autumn timing differs from the spring peak common in much of the country, reflecting the Pacific Northwest's distinct weather patterns driven by maritime influences and seasonal storm systems.
The most significant tornado on record occurred on November 10, 1965, when an F2-rated tornado carved a 1.5-mile path with a maximum width of 23 yards, causing $27,500 in property damage. This remains the longest-tracked tornado in the area's history. More recently, an EF1 tornado on October 19, 2019 caused $150,000 in property damage along a 0.7-mile path with a maximum width of 90 yards, making it both the costliest and widest tornado recorded near Tumwater.
Notably, none of the tornadoes on record in the Tumwater area have resulted in fatalities. The relatively weak intensity of most events, combined with the region's lower population density in affected areas and the typically short path lengths, has limited the potential for casualties. While tornadoes remain rare in western Washington compared to other parts of the country, the historical record demonstrates that residents should maintain awareness of severe weather potential, particularly during the autumn months.