Kent County, Delaware tornadoes

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24confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1964). Most recent: July 1, 2021, EF1. 2026 so far: 5 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

The record

At a glance

Total241950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthJuly9 of 24
StrongestF2Jul 21, 1983
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries56whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Kent County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

90 Jan: 1Feb: 0Mar: 2Apr: 3May: 1Jun: 3Jul: 9Aug: 4Sep: 1Oct: 0Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

July is the peak month, with 9 of 24 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 3: 0: 09 AM: 2: 1: 012 PM: 2: 2: 43 PM: 0: 5: 26 PM: 3: 0: 09 PM: 0: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 4:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

40 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 2: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01990: 0: 1: 2: 2: 4: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 3: 1: 0: 0: 0: 019501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones. This year so far: 5 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
7
EF1
12
EF2
5

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

F2, July 21, 1983

2 deaths, 9 injuries Strongest

F2, July 21, 1983

1 mile path Longest path

35.78 miles, EF2

August 4, 2020, whole path Widest

500 yards, EF2

August 4, 2020
Every tornado

All 24 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jul 1, 2021EF13.85 mi50 yd00
Aug 4, 2020EF235.78 mi500 yd00
Aug 4, 2020EF12.98 mi200 yd00
Aug 4, 2020EF12.14 mi400 yd00
May 22, 2014EF10.35 mi50 yd02
Sep 3, 2012EF00.21 mi35 yd00
Jul 12, 2004F00.5 mi100 yd00
Jul 27, 1994F00.3 mi50 yd00
Jul 27, 1994F11.5 mi100 yd00
Jul 27, 1994F00.3 mi50 yd04
Jun 27, 1994F115 mi300 yd00
Apr 1, 1993F10.2 mi10 yd00
Apr 1, 1993F010 mi10 yd00
Jul 31, 1992F24 mi20 yd00
Jul 31, 1992F11 mi10 yd00
Jul 8, 1991F00.3 mi10 yd00
Jun 7, 1988F123 mi100 yd030
Jul 21, 1983F21 mi20 yd29
Jun 9, 1977F20.2 mi40 yd01
Mar 13, 1977F11 mi30 yd00
Aug 4, 1975F00.1 mi30 yd00
Apr 3, 1975F10.1 mi10 yd03
Jan 27, 1967F20.5 mi50 yd07
Mar 26, 1964F10.3 mi40 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Aug 20, 2026DoverNot yet rated
Aug 20, 20262 N WyomingNot yet rated
Aug 20, 2026HazlettvilleNot yet rated
Aug 20, 20261 S MarydelNot yet rated
Mar 16, 20262 SW FredericaNot yet rated

Preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. One tornado can be reported more than once, and NOAA confirms the final record months later.

Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 12, 2026.