Ray County, Missouri tornadoes

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34confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1951). Most recent: August 4, 2023, EF0. 2026 so far: 2 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

Total341950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthMay13 of 34
StrongestF4May 4, 1977
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries26whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

130 Jan: 1Feb: 0Mar: 2Apr: 2May: 13Jun: 5Jul: 5Aug: 2Sep: 0Oct: 1Nov: 2Dec: 1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 13 of 34 tornadoes.

By time of day

60 12 AM: 0: 1: 13 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 1: 0: 012 PM: 1: 3: 13 PM: 2: 4: 66 PM: 4: 3: 49 PM: 0: 2: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 5:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 1: 01960: 2: 1: 1: 1: 1: 0: 1: 2: 1: 21970: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 1: 2: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 3: 0: 0: 1: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 1: 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. This year so far: 2 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
10
EF1
12
EF2
8
EF3
2
EF4
2

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, January 24, 1967

2 deaths, 18 injuries Strongest

F4, May 4, 1977

12 mile path Longest path

48.6 miles, F4

May 4, 1977, whole path Widest

880 yards, F4

May 4, 1977
Every tornado

All 34 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Aug 4, 2023EF04.55 mi20 yd00
Oct 9, 2018EF04.03 mi50 yd00
May 16, 2015EF12.82 mi100 yd00
May 16, 2015EF210.03 mi250 yd00
May 16, 2015EF00.87 mi100 yd00
May 10, 2014EF00.64 mi25 yd00
May 10, 2014EF212.63 mi500 yd00
Apr 15, 2006F010.1 mi75 yd00
Mar 12, 2006F117 mi150 yd00
Nov 27, 2005F12 mi75 yd00
Jun 12, 2003F01 mi50 yd00
May 30, 2001F00.3 mi20 yd00
May 4, 1977F448.6 mi880 yd01
May 4, 1977F412 mi400 yd05
Nov 29, 1975F08 mi50 yd00
Jul 18, 1973F10.1 mi10 yd00
Aug 3, 1971F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 23, 1971F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 26, 1969F16.2 mi100 yd00
Jun 26, 1969F10.2 mi17 yd00
May 15, 1968F13.6 mi50 yd00
Apr 21, 1967F314.6 mi440 yd00
Jan 24, 1967F314.5 mi200 yd218
May 11, 1966F10.2 mi10 yd00
Jun 11, 1964F10.5 mi10 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
May 18, 20263 S Woods HeightsNot yet rated
May 18, 20265 ENE Missouri CityNot 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.