Yakima, WA Tornado History — 8 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Yakima, WA had?
Yakima has had 8 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Yakima?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Yakima was an EF0 on April 7, 2008.
When is tornado season in Yakima?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Yakima, 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 Yakima
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 Yakima been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Yakima from any of the 8 tornadoes since 1950. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Yakima
About Tornadoes in Yakima
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.
Yakima, 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, where atmospheric conditions more regularly support severe convective storms capable of producing tornadoes.
The majority of Yakima's recorded tornadoes have been weak, with 7 rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale—indicating wind speeds between 65 and 85 mph and typically causing minor damage to trees, signs, and roofing materials. Only one tornado reached EF2 intensity, occurring on May 1, 1957, with maximum winds estimated between 111 and 135 mph. This event caused $2,750 in property damage, traveled 1.0 mile, and reached a maximum width of 23 yards, making it both the strongest and costliest tornado on record for the area. No tornadoes in Yakima's history have resulted in fatalities.
Tornado activity near Yakima has been unevenly distributed across the decades. A single event occurred in the 1950s, followed by no recorded tornadoes in the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s. Activity resumed in the 1990s with 2 tornadoes, then increased notably in the 2000s with 5 events. The most recent tornado touched down on April 7, 2008, as an EF0 with a brief 0.1-mile path and 10-yard width, causing no damage or injuries.
May has been the most active month for tornadoes in the Yakima area, accounting for 4 of the 8 recorded events. This spring peak aligns with broader patterns of tornado activity across the western United States, when temperature contrasts and atmospheric instability are most pronounced. The widest tornado on record occurred on May 16, 2000, reaching 50 yards across despite its EF0 rating and 0.2-mile path length.