Wayne County, Michigan tornadoes

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38confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: June 5, 2024, EF1. 2026 so far: 4 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 Wayne County

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The record

At a glance

Total381950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthAugust9 of 38
StrongestF4May 12, 1956
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries192whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

90 Jan: 0Feb: 1Mar: 0Apr: 3May: 3Jun: 8Jul: 7Aug: 9Sep: 5Oct: 0Nov: 1Dec: 1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

August is the peak month, with 9 of 38 tornadoes.

By time of day

60 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 1: 06 AM: 0: 1: 19 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 3: 3: 23 PM: 4: 6: 26 PM: 5: 3: 59 PM: 0: 2: 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: 1: 1: 0: 3: 1: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 11970: 0: 0: 0: 4: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 2: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 2: 1: 01990: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02010: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 3: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 4: 1: 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: 4 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
15
EF1
12
EF2
8
EF3
2
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

F3, November 20, 1957

1 deaths, 12 injuries Strongest

F4, May 12, 1956

6.8 mile path Longest path

13.9 miles, F3

July 4, 1969, whole path Widest

2,500 yards, F2

July 2, 1997
Every tornado

All 38 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jun 5, 2024EF15.75 mi450 yd12
Aug 24, 2023EF11.43 mi300 yd00
Aug 24, 2023EF15.42 mi200 yd00
Aug 24, 2023EF13.01 mi200 yd00
Aug 24, 2023EF01.7 mi200 yd00
Sep 25, 2018EF13.27 mi200 yd00
Sep 25, 2018EF04.08 mi250 yd00
Jul 31, 2018EF00.8 mi100 yd00
Dec 23, 2015EF11.96 mi100 yd00
Jun 27, 2010EF11.35 mi200 yd00
Sep 13, 2008EF22.65 mi200 yd00
Jul 2, 1997F25 mi2,500 yd090
Apr 16, 1992F22 mi50 yd04
Sep 6, 1990F01 mi30 yd00
Jul 16, 1988F00.3 mi13 yd00
Jul 20, 1987F00.1 mi20 yd00
Jun 29, 1987F11.9 mi50 yd00
Sep 28, 1986F00.2 mi10 yd00
Aug 2, 1986F10.3 mi20 yd03
Aug 30, 1984F25.6 mi150 yd04
Jul 16, 1980F21.3 mi10 yd00
Apr 8, 1980F10.1 mi10 yd00
Aug 21, 1975F00.1 mi17 yd00
Jul 14, 1974F21.5 mi27 yd00
Feb 28, 1974F20.1 mi50 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Sep 3, 20262 NE Comerica ParkNot yet rated
Sep 3, 2026Lincoln ParkNot yet rated
Apr 14, 20261 SW MelvindaleNot yet rated
Apr 4, 20262 NE WillisNot 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.

Cities

Cities in Wayne County

Each city page counts every tornado path within 10 miles of the city, including paths just over the county line.

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.