Benton County, Indiana tornadoes

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24confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1954). Most recent: March 31, 2023, EF1. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report 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.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Benton County

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The record

At a glance

Total241950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthMarch5 of 24
StrongestF4Apr 3, 1974
Deaths18whole paths, see note
Injuries288whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

50 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 5Apr: 4May: 4Jun: 4Jul: 2Aug: 2Sep: 1Oct: 1Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

March is the peak month, with 5 of 24 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 0: 13 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 2: 33 PM: 5: 3: 26 PM: 3: 4: 09 PM: 0: 1: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 3:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

40 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 1: 2: 4: 1: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01990: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 1: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 3: 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: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
13
EF1
3
EF2
6
EF3
1
EF4
1

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

F4, April 3, 1974

18 deaths, 285 injuries Strongest

F4, April 3, 1974

108.7 mile path Longest path

108.7 miles, F4

April 3, 1974, whole path Widest

1,760 yards, F4

April 3, 1974
Every tornado

All 24 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 31, 2023EF110.22 mi500 yd00
Mar 31, 2023EF211.53 mi400 yd00
Mar 31, 2023EF215.16 mi500 yd00
May 20, 2017EF01.22 mi50 yd00
Jul 13, 2015EF00.1 mi50 yd00
Nov 17, 2013EF212 mi1,200 yd00
May 31, 2013EF00.5 mi20 yd00
Aug 4, 2008EF00.06 mi10 yd00
Oct 18, 2007EF00.4 mi20 yd00
Apr 14, 2006F00.5 mi25 yd00
May 28, 1993F00.6 mi40 yd00
Aug 8, 1991F29 mi127 yd00
Sep 19, 1988F11 mi50 yd00
Jul 4, 1984F00.1 mi10 yd00
Mar 12, 1976F03.8 mi27 yd00
Jun 14, 1975F02 mi23 yd00
Jun 14, 1975F00.5 mi50 yd00
May 30, 1975F00.1 mi23 yd00
Apr 2, 1975F00.1 mi23 yd00
Apr 3, 1974F4108.7 mi1,760 yd18285
Apr 3, 1974F325.9 mi700 yd00
Jun 12, 1973F14.6 mi50 yd00
Mar 6, 1956F20.4 mi250 yd03
Jun 1, 1954F20.1 mi10 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jun 11, 20262 SW BoswellNot 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 13, 2026.