Clay County, Missouri tornadoes

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38confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1955). Most recent: April 16, 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 Clay County

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The record

At a glance

Total381950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthMay16 of 38
StrongestF4May 4, 2003
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries74whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

160 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 3Apr: 3May: 16Jun: 7Jul: 6Aug: 0Sep: 1Oct: 1Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 16 of 38 tornadoes.

By time of day

80 12 AM: 2: 1: 23 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 1: 0: 212 PM: 2: 1: 13 PM: 5: 4: 26 PM: 5: 8: 19 PM: 0: 1: 012 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

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 2: 0: 31970: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 11980: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 1: 0: 0: 3: 2: 1: 0: 0: 2: 02010: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 1: 0: 12020: 1: 1: 0: 0: 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
12
EF1
13
EF2
7
EF3
2
EF4
4

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, May 4, 2003

2 deaths, 30 injuries Strongest

F4, May 4, 2003

21 mile path Longest path

26.2 miles, F4

May 7, 1961, whole path Widest

1,000 yards, EF2

March 6, 2017
Every tornado

All 38 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 16, 2024EF12.36 mi50 yd00
Jun 11, 2021EF00.03 mi15 yd00
Jul 29, 2020EF00.27 mi20 yd00
May 28, 2019EF25.85 mi400 yd00
Mar 6, 2017EF219.57 mi1,000 yd00
Jul 6, 2015EF01.23 mi40 yd00
Jun 30, 2014EF10.8 mi200 yd00
May 25, 2011EF00.05 mi40 yd00
May 25, 2011EF00.05 mi40 yd00
May 2, 2008EF21.39 mi75 yd00
May 2, 2008EF30.92 mi75 yd00
Nov 27, 2005F111 mi75 yd00
Jul 16, 2004F00.5 mi50 yd00
Apr 24, 2004F00.1 mi20 yd00
May 4, 2003F28.5 mi300 yd00
May 4, 2003F45 mi200 yd013
May 4, 2003F421 mi500 yd230
May 11, 2000F14.5 mi350 yd00
May 6, 1993F010 mi50 yd00
Sep 5, 1992F00.1 mi20 yd00
Jul 9, 1992F00.2 mi20 yd00
May 26, 1985F00.2 mi50 yd00
Oct 8, 1982F10.5 mi50 yd00
Apr 11, 1979F220.1 mi100 yd09
May 4, 1977F412 mi400 yd05
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jun 13, 2026LibertyNot yet rated
Jun 13, 20261 SSW AvondaleNot yet rated
Apr 23, 20261 SSW KearneyNot yet rated
Apr 23, 20264 E FerrelviewNot 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 Clay 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.