Chowan County, North Carolina tornadoes

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14 confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1973). Most recent: June 20, 2021, EF0. 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

Total141950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthMay4 of 14
StrongestF2Mar 28, 1984
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries4whole paths, see note

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

When tornadoes hit here

By month

40 Jan: 0Feb: 1Mar: 2Apr: 2May: 4Jun: 3Jul: 0Aug: 1Sep: 0Oct: 0Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 4 of 14 tornadoes.

By time of day

30 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 16 AM: 1: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 1: 2: 03 PM: 1: 2: 26 PM: 0: 0: 39 PM: 1: 0: 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

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 1: 11990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 02020: 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.

By rating

EF0
5
EF1
5
EF2
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.

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

F2, March 28, 1984

1 deaths, 1 injuries Strongest

F2, March 28, 1984

6 mile path Longest path

35.48 miles, EF2

April 25, 2014, whole path Widest

400 yards, EF2

April 25, 2014

All 14 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jun 20, 2021EF03 mi75 yd00
May 5, 2017EF011.71 mi100 yd00
Apr 25, 2014EF235.48 mi400 yd11
Apr 25, 2014EF235.46 mi400 yd02
May 9, 2008EF211.7 mi300 yd00
Jun 11, 2004F16 mi30 yd00
May 9, 2003F01 mi50 yd00
Aug 26, 1998F00.3 mi50 yd00
Nov 11, 1995F12.2 mi100 yd00
Feb 21, 1989F10.5 mi20 yd00
Mar 26, 1988F00.2 mi50 yd00
Jun 28, 1986F11 mi50 yd00
Mar 28, 1984F26 mi177 yd11
May 24, 1973F10.1 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.