Phillips County, Montana tornadoes

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15 confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1971). Most recent: May 16, 2024, EFU. 2026 so far: 0 preliminary reports preliminary

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Every tornado path in the county

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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.

At a glance

Total151950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthJune7 of 15
StrongestF1May 25, 1980
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries0whole paths, see note

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

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

June is the peak month, with 7 of 15 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 0: 03 PM: 2: 2: 06 PM: 1: 3: 59 PM: 1: 1: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 8:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11980: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 3: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12000: 1: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12020: 0: 0: 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.

By rating

EF0
9
EF1
5
Unknown
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.

Notable tornadoes

Strongest

F1, May 25, 1980

0.1 mile path Longest path

29 miles, F0

July 20, 2001, whole path Widest

100 yards, F0

July 20, 2001

All 15 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 16, 2024EFU0.5 mi20 yd00
Jun 27, 2019EF00.11 mi20 yd00
Jun 29, 2011EF10.75 mi25 yd00
Aug 10, 2007EF10.1 mi10 yd00
Aug 5, 2002F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 20, 2001F029 mi100 yd00
Jun 7, 2000F00.5 mi50 yd00
Jun 21, 1999F00.2 mi50 yd00
Jul 20, 1993F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 4, 1991F10.2 mi10 yd00
Jul 4, 1991F10.2 mi10 yd00
Jun 30, 1991F00.2 mi10 yd00
May 25, 1980F10.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 30, 1979F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 28, 1971F02 mi10 yd00

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.