Washoe County, Nevada tornadoes

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13confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1964). Most recent: September 13, 2017, EF0. 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.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Washoe County

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The record

At a glance

Total131950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthJuly4 of 13
StrongestF1Nov 3, 1973
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries1whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

40 Jan: 0Feb: 3Mar: 0Apr: 1May: 0Jun: 0Jul: 4Aug: 3Sep: 1Oct: 0Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

July is the peak month, with 4 of 13 tornadoes.

By time of day

30 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 1: 2: 112 PM: 0: 1: 13 PM: 3: 2: 16 PM: 1: 0: 09 PM: 0: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 3:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 12000: 1: 0: 1: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 02020: 0: 0: 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.

By rating

EF0
11
EF1
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

Strongest

F1, November 3, 1973

25.9 mile path Longest path

25.9 miles, F1

November 3, 1973, whole path Widest

200 yards, F0

July 24, 2004
Every tornado

All 13 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Sep 13, 2017EF02.01 mi50 yd00
Jul 24, 2004F00.1 mi200 yd00
Aug 2, 2003F00.1 mi10 yd00
Aug 2, 2003F00.1 mi10 yd00
Aug 1, 2002F00.1 mi100 yd00
Feb 10, 2000F00.5 mi10 yd00
Jul 13, 1999F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 30, 1998F02 mi50 yd00
Feb 28, 1988F00.2 mi10 yd00
Feb 28, 1988F00.2 mi10 yd00
Nov 3, 1973F125.9 mi10 yd00
Jul 16, 1973F11 mi80 yd01
Apr 23, 1964F01 mi10 yd00
Cities

Cities in Washoe 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.