Waukesha, WI Tornado History — 99 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Waukesha, WI had?
Waukesha has had 99 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 3 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Waukesha?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Waukesha was an EF1 on July 28, 2023.
When is tornado season in Waukesha?
July is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Waukesha, with 26 on record. April through June account for 37 of the 99 tornadoes on record near Waukesha.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Waukesha
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 29 total, averaging 1.4 per year over this window.
Preliminary tornado reports near Waukesha since December 29, 2025
These are 6 preliminary reports, not confirmed tornadoes. They have not yet been through an NWS damage survey, and are not counted in the confirmed totals above.
Preliminary reports are revised, merged, and sometimes withdrawn — historically about 23% are consolidated downward once surveys complete. Ratings are omitted until a survey assigns one.
Confirmed records above are complete through December 29, 2025. NOAA publishes the confirmed archive annually, so tornadoes after that date appear here first and move into the totals above once finalized.
NWS storm survey finds a brief EF0 tornado damage track beginning near the intersection of Elmwood Rd & Timber Stone Way. Max wind speed 80 MPH. Additional details to f (MKX)
NWS Damage Survey reported EF-1 Tornado... estimated peak winds of 100 mph. Began on west side of US-45 in northern Racine Co and tracked northeast to County Line Rd on (MKX)
NWS Damage Survey concludes an EF-0 tornado occurred with estimated peak winds of 70 mph and a width of 50 yards. The tornado started along Spring Prairie Road southwes (MKX)
Corrects previous tornado report from 2 SE Rochester. EF0 tornado developed near the intersection of Plank Rd. and County Highway J and traveled 3.9 miles ending near P (MKX)
NWS Storm Survey found EF1 tornado damage southwest of East Troy. Maximum winds of 100 MPH. (MKX)
Radar confirmed tornadic debris signature at this location. Multiple roofs ripped off a commercial facility reported by law enforcement. Siding damage to nearby church. (MKX)
Within 25 miles of Waukesha. Quoted text is the report narrative exactly as filed. Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center preliminary storm reports, updated daily.
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
Casualties on Record Near Waukesha
1 fatality has been recorded within 25 miles of Waukesha since 1950, across 1 event. 233 injuries have been reported across all events. 1984 was the deadliest year on record near Waukesha.
The deadliest single event was an F4 on April 27, 1984, which caused 1 fatality along a 6.5-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Waukesha
What the record shows near Waukesha
The 1980s were the busiest decade near Waukesha, with 22 of the 99 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 12 so far. The Waukesha record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Waukesha, 73 reached EF0 or EF1 and 26 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Waukesha is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.
Across the last 20 years Waukesha has averaged 1.4 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 29 in total. 2010 was the busiest of them with 6, and 10 of those years passed with none at all.