Sioux County, Nebraska tornadoes

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29 confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1951). Most recent: May 26, 2021, EFU. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report 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

Total291950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthJune11 of 29
StrongestF3Jul 20, 1978
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries2whole paths, see note

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

When tornadoes hit here

By month

110 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 0Apr: 0May: 9Jun: 11Jul: 8Aug: 0Sep: 1Oct: 0Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

June is the peak month, with 11 of 29 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 0: 13 PM: 3: 2: 56 PM: 7: 6: 49 PM: 1: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 6:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

60 1950: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11970: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01990: 2: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 62000: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 02010: 1: 2: 0: 2: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 12020: 0: 1: 0: 0: 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: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
18
EF1
5
EF2
3
EF3
1
Unknown
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.

Notable tornadoes

Strongest

F3, July 20, 1978

53.2 mile path Longest path

53.2 miles, F3

July 20, 1978, whole path Widest

500 yards, EF2

June 12, 2017

All 29 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 26, 2021EFU0.37 mi20 yd00
Jul 17, 2019EFU0.94 mi20 yd00
Jun 12, 2017EF225.55 mi500 yd02
May 18, 2014EF02.07 mi30 yd00
May 28, 2013EF06.31 mi75 yd00
May 27, 2013EF02 mi50 yd00
May 9, 2011EF00.01 mi20 yd00
May 9, 2011EF00.01 mi20 yd00
Jun 7, 2010EF00.5 mi100 yd00
Jun 23, 2006F00.1 mi30 yd00
May 31, 2003F00.3 mi40 yd00
Sep 3, 1999F00.3 mi30 yd00
Jun 10, 1999F00.1 mi30 yd00
Jun 10, 1999F00.2 mi30 yd00
Jun 10, 1999F00.2 mi30 yd00
Jun 10, 1999F00.3 mi30 yd00
Jun 4, 1999F00.1 mi30 yd00
Jul 6, 1994F12 mi33 yd00
May 18, 1990F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 13, 1990F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 29, 1986F10.1 mi20 yd00
Jun 20, 1983F20.3 mi40 yd00
Jul 20, 1978F353.2 mi23 yd00
Jul 28, 1976F20.3 mi30 yd00
Jul 25, 1972F00.1 mi10 yd00

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jun 1, 20269 NE MitchellNot 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 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.