Johnston County, North Carolina tornadoes

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25confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1973). Most recent: May 4, 2025, 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.

The record

At a glance

Total251950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthNovember6 of 25
StrongestEF3Apr 16, 2011
Deaths3whole paths, see note
Injuries222whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

November is the peak month, with 6 of 25 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 1: 1: 43 AM: 0: 0: 16 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 1: 0: 112 PM: 0: 2: 53 PM: 2: 4: 26 PM: 0: 1: 09 PM: 0: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 2:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

40 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: 1: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 3: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 3: 4: 42010: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 32020: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 119501960197019801990200020102020

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
12
EF1
10
EF2
1
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.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

EF3, April 16, 2011

2 deaths, 176 injuries Strongest

EF3, April 16, 2011

52.86 mile path Longest path

160 miles, F3

November 23, 1992, whole path Widest

800 yards, EF3

April 16, 2011
Every tornado

All 25 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 4, 2025EF00.14 mi30 yd00
Sep 5, 2019EF00.12 mi50 yd00
Jul 23, 2019EF10.22 mi100 yd00
Apr 19, 2019EF110.15 mi125 yd00
Feb 26, 2013EF00.49 mi75 yd00
Apr 16, 2011EF18.59 mi100 yd00
Apr 16, 2011EF352.86 mi800 yd2176
May 5, 2009EF17.16 mi30 yd00
May 5, 2009EF00.44 mi25 yd00
Mar 27, 2009EF00.29 mi20 yd00
Mar 27, 2009EF02.27 mi20 yd00
Nov 15, 2008EF24.09 mi150 yd12
Nov 15, 2008EF03.28 mi50 yd00
Nov 15, 2008EF10.86 mi50 yd00
Aug 27, 2008EF00.25 mi50 yd00
Sep 14, 2007EF00.25 mi25 yd00
Sep 14, 2007EF00.38 mi25 yd00
Sep 14, 2007EF00.73 mi25 yd00
Jun 4, 2004F00.5 mi100 yd00
Oct 11, 2002F14 mi75 yd00
Nov 23, 1992F3160 mi100 yd044
Nov 4, 1992F10.3 mi20 yd00
Nov 4, 1992F10.4 mi20 yd00
Mar 4, 1977F10.5 mi20 yd00
May 29, 1973F117.9 mi10 yd00
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 12, 2026.