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University Place, WA Tornado History — 15 Tornadoes Since 1950

Washington · 25-mile radius · NOAA Storm Prediction Center

How many tornadoes has University Place, WA had?

University Place has had 15 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 strong to violent (EF3+) tornado.

When was the most recent tornado near University Place?

The most recent tornado within 25 miles of University Place was an EF1 on October 18, 2019.

When is tornado season in University Place?

September is historically the peak month for tornadoes near University Place, with 4 on record. April through June account for 4 of the 15 tornadoes on record near University Place.

At a Glance

Tornadoes Since 1950
15
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
1
6.7% of total
Peak Month
September
4 on record
Per Year Avg
0.2
Across 76 years

Recent Tornado Activity Near University Place

The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 5 total, averaging 0.3 per year over this window.

2026 0
2025 0
2024 0
2023 0
2022 0
2021 0
2020 0
2019 1
2018 1
2017 0
2016 0
2015 1
2014 0
2013 1
2012 0
2011 0
2010 0
2009 1
2008 0
2007 0

Tornadoes by Decade

1960s 2
1970s 2
1980s 1
1990s 2
2000s 4
2010s 4

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.

EF0 4
EF1 9
EF2 1
EF3 1

Tornadoes by Month

Jan 2
Feb 0
Mar 0
Apr 0
May 1
Jun 3
Jul 0
Aug 0
Sep 4
Oct 2
Nov 0
Dec 3

Have any tornadoes near University Place been fatal?

No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of University Place from any of the 15 tornadoes since 1950, though 1 injuries have been reported, according to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.

Notable Tornadoes Near University Place

Costliest Tornado
EF2 on December 18, 2018 — $1.2M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
F1 on June 27, 2001 — 400 yards wide.
Longest Path
EF1 on September 6, 2009 — 9.6 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on October 18, 2019.

What the record shows near University Place

The 2000s were the busiest decade near University Place, with 4 of the 15 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2010s have produced 4 so far. The University Place record runs from the 1960s to today.

Of the tornadoes rated near University Place, 13 reached EF0 or EF1 and 2 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near University Place is rated EF3, of which 1 is logged.

Across the last 20 years University Place has averaged 0.3 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 5 in total. 2009 was the busiest of them with 1, and 15 of those years passed with none at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tornadoes has University Place, WA had?
Since 1950, 15 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of University Place. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
When is tornado season in University Place?
September is historically the peak month for tornadoes near University Place, with 4 tornadoes on record. Tornadoes can occur any time of year, but spring months (April–June) generally see the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
When was the most recent tornado near University Place?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of University Place was an EF1 on October 18, 2019.
How do I get tornado warnings for University Place?
Vortex delivers real-time tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm alerts, and SPC outlook updates for any US location via push notification and phone call. Alerts are sourced directly from the National Weather Service and updated within seconds of issuance.

Official Resources

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