Columbus County, North Carolina tornadoes

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33 confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1950). Most recent: May 14, 2024, EF0. 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

Total331950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthApril6 of 33
StrongestF3Nov 16, 2006
Deaths8whole paths, see note
Injuries159whole paths, see note

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

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 5Apr: 6May: 5Jun: 3Jul: 1Aug: 0Sep: 4Oct: 5Nov: 2Dec: 2JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 6 of 33 tornadoes.

By time of day

60 12 AM: 0: 0: 13 AM: 0: 1: 16 AM: 1: 0: 09 AM: 2: 1: 212 PM: 1: 3: 13 PM: 6: 5: 26 PM: 3: 0: 39 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

30 1950: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 1: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 1: 2: 0: 1: 02010: 0: 3: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 12020: 3: 1: 0: 0: 2: 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
14
EF1
12
EF2
5
EF3
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

Deadliest

F3, November 16, 2006

8 deaths, 20 injuries Strongest

F3, November 16, 2006

2.15 mile path Longest path

54.6 miles, F2

October 4, 1964, whole path Widest

880 yards, F3

October 9, 1950

All 33 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 14, 2024EF06.03 mi40 yd00
May 14, 2024EF02.2 mi40 yd00
Jun 2, 2021EF00.7 mi35 yd00
Dec 24, 2020EF00.14 mi20 yd00
Oct 11, 2020EF15.49 mi30 yd00
Apr 13, 2020EF10.58 mi100 yd00
Sep 5, 2019EF02.12 mi50 yd00
Sep 16, 2018EF10.27 mi100 yd00
May 21, 2015EF15.18 mi100 yd00
Oct 1, 2012EF02.08 mi25 yd00
Oct 1, 2012EF00.31 mi30 yd00
Apr 28, 2011EF00.57 mi20 yd00
Apr 16, 2011EF11.1 mi50 yd00
Apr 16, 2011EF00.22 mi25 yd00
Mar 15, 2008EF00.02 mi10 yd00
Nov 16, 2006F32.15 mi300 yd820
Apr 17, 2006F11 mi15 yd00
May 20, 2005F12.6 mi50 yd00
Sep 7, 2004F110 mi40 yd00
Jul 2, 2003F00.7 mi30 yd00
Mar 8, 1998F00.3 mi30 yd00
Apr 26, 1996F00.2 mi20 yd00
Nov 7, 1995F20.7 mi40 yd0122
Mar 3, 1991F11.5 mi73 yd03
Mar 3, 1991F00.5 mi50 yd00

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
May 9, 2026DelcoNot 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.

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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.