Putnam County, Indiana tornadoes

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22confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1961). Most recent: May 16, 2025, EF0. 2026 so far: 2 preliminary reports preliminary

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Recent warnings in Putnam County

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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

Total221950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthMay7 of 22
StrongestF3Nov 22, 1992
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries15whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

70 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 1Apr: 0May: 7Jun: 3Jul: 4Aug: 3Sep: 0Oct: 2Nov: 1Dec: 1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 7 of 22 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 1: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 1: 0: 112 PM: 0: 4: 13 PM: 0: 7: 16 PM: 2: 3: 09 PM: 0: 1: 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

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 11970: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 11980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 21990: 1: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 119501960197019801990200020102020

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: 2 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
6
EF1
10
EF2
5
EF3
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

F2, June 2, 1990

1 deaths, 6 injuries Strongest

F3, November 22, 1992

12 mile path Longest path

77.9 miles, F2

May 27, 1973, whole path Widest

867 yards, F3

November 22, 1992
Every tornado

All 22 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 16, 2025EF00.43 mi20 yd00
Jul 13, 2015EF10.07 mi25 yd00
Jul 13, 2015EF10.6 mi50 yd00
Oct 7, 2014EF00.1 mi50 yd00
May 21, 2013EF01.05 mi100 yd00
Jul 8, 2003F11.5 mi50 yd00
May 10, 2003F00.5 mi50 yd00
Aug 23, 2002F10.1 mi50 yd00
Aug 16, 1993F18.9 mi493 yd00
Nov 22, 1992F312 mi867 yd01
Jun 2, 1990F23.5 mi50 yd16
May 25, 1989F04 mi100 yd00
May 25, 1989F15 mi300 yd00
Oct 17, 1988F14 mi30 yd00
Aug 3, 1988F10.1 mi40 yd00
Jun 20, 1979F00.1 mi10 yd00
Mar 20, 1976F224.9 mi200 yd00
Jun 26, 1973F12 mi50 yd00
May 27, 1973F277.9 mi50 yd00
May 10, 1969F216.5 mi400 yd07
Dec 11, 1967F10.1 mi10 yd01
Jul 21, 1961F21 mi20 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jun 16, 20263 E PutnamvilleNot yet rated
Jun 16, 20263 E PutnamvilleNot 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.