Bates County, Missouri tornadoes

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28confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: April 27, 2024, 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.

The record

At a glance

Total281950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthApril10 of 28
StrongestF3May 4, 1977
Deaths3whole paths, see note
Injuries32whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

100 Jan: 0Feb: 1Mar: 3Apr: 10May: 6Jun: 3Jul: 1Aug: 1Sep: 1Oct: 0Nov: 1Dec: 1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 10 of 28 tornadoes.

By time of day

60 12 AM: 1: 1: 13 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 112 PM: 0: 0: 13 PM: 3: 2: 56 PM: 0: 6: 39 PM: 1: 1: 212 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 7:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

40 1950: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 1: 11970: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 2: 1: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 1: 0: 0: 0: 4: 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
13
EF1
10
EF2
4
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

F3, May 4, 1977

2 deaths, 15 injuries Strongest

F3, May 4, 1977

29.8 mile path Longest path

29.8 miles, F3

May 4, 1977, whole path Widest

500 yards, F3

May 4, 1977
Every tornado

All 28 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 27, 2024EF110.14 mi250 yd00
Apr 27, 2024EF12.55 mi150 yd00
Apr 26, 2024EF01.13 mi50 yd00
Apr 26, 2024EF00.85 mi50 yd00
Jun 4, 2020EF01.78 mi40 yd00
May 16, 2015EF10.88 mi100 yd00
Apr 7, 2015EF00.55 mi20 yd00
May 11, 2011EF08.49 mi50 yd00
Jun 5, 2008EF00.27 mi50 yd00
Apr 27, 2007EF01.14 mi25 yd00
Feb 28, 2007EF112.87 mi100 yd00
Mar 12, 2006F226 mi450 yd113
Mar 12, 2006F016.4 mi220 yd00
May 26, 2004F01 mi25 yd00
May 17, 1995F15 mi73 yd00
Nov 29, 1991F10.8 mi43 yd00
May 20, 1982F23 mi100 yd00
May 4, 1977F329.8 mi500 yd215
Sep 4, 1973F12 mi50 yd01
Jul 2, 1972F02.7 mi17 yd00
Apr 4, 1969F218.7 mi200 yd01
Jun 11, 1968F00.1 mi100 yd00
Apr 21, 1967F10.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 16, 1967F13.8 mi50 yd00
Apr 22, 1964F00.1 mi10 yd00
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.