Hancock County, Indiana tornadoes

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23confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1951). Most recent: February 27, 2023, EF1. 2026 so far: 0 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.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Hancock County

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The record

At a glance

Total231950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthMay5 of 23
StrongestF4May 14, 1972
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries120whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

May is the peak month, with 5 of 23 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 1: 06 AM: 0: 0: 19 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 3: 5: 23 PM: 1: 0: 26 PM: 4: 1: 29 PM: 1: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 1:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

20 1950: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01960: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 1: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 02010: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 2: 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.

By rating

EF0
3
EF1
5
EF2
10
EF3
2
EF4
3

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

F3, April 3, 1974

1 deaths, 25 injuries Strongest

F4, May 14, 1972

30 mile path Longest path

30 miles, F4

May 14, 1972, whole path Widest

440 yards, F3

April 3, 1974
Every tornado

All 23 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Feb 27, 2023EF10.29 mi50 yd00
Feb 27, 2023EF15.24 mi50 yd00
Oct 26, 2010EF00.47 mi50 yd00
May 30, 2008EF14.5 mi200 yd00
May 30, 2008EF27.1 mi150 yd018
May 30, 2004F220 mi100 yd026
Jun 11, 1998F216 mi300 yd00
Jun 11, 1998F413.2 mi400 yd04
Nov 22, 1992F27.5 mi50 yd00
Mar 10, 1986F217.8 mi150 yd11
Mar 10, 1986F25 mi220 yd00
Jun 2, 1980F20.1 mi10 yd04
Apr 8, 1980F01 mi60 yd00
Apr 3, 1974F418.9 mi10 yd017
Apr 3, 1974F320.7 mi440 yd125
Jun 3, 1973F10.1 mi20 yd00
May 14, 1972F430 mi200 yd020
Jul 23, 1967F00.1 mi10 yd00
Nov 26, 1965F31 mi200 yd03
Mar 30, 1960F20.1 mi50 yd00
Apr 26, 1957F20.1 mi10 yd00
May 9, 1952F115.6 mi13 yd00
Mar 29, 1951F23 mi400 yd02
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.