University Place, WA Tornado History — 15 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has University Place, WA had?
University Place has had 15 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 1 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. 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 University Place
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 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. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near University Place
About Tornadoes in University Place
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.
University Place, Washington has experienced 15 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 other regions of the United States, though the area is not immune to these severe weather events.
The distribution of tornadoes by decade shows variability, with two events recorded in each of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1990s, one in the 1980s, and four in both the 2000s and 2010s. Most of these tornadoes have been weak, with nine rated EF1 and four rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest). However, the area has also seen one EF2 and one EF3 tornado, demonstrating that stronger events, while rare, can occur.
September stands out as the peak month for tornado activity in the area, with four events recorded during that month. The costliest tornado on record was an EF2 that struck on December 18, 2018, causing $1,180,000 in property damage along a 1.4-mile path with a maximum width of 285 yards. The longest-tracked tornado was an EF1 on September 6, 2009, which traveled 9.6 miles and caused $180,000 in damage. The widest tornado reached 400 yards across during an F1 event on June 28, 2001, which carved a 2.3-mile path.
Notably, none of the tornadoes on record within 25 miles of University Place have resulted in fatalities. The most recent tornado occurred on October 19, 2019, when an EF1 touched down with a 0.7-mile path, causing $150,000 in property damage but no injuries or deaths.