Mecklenburg County, North Carolina tornadoes

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29confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1956). Most recent: December 29, 2024, EF0. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report preliminary

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Map

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.

The record

At a glance

Total291950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthMay7 of 29
StrongestF3Mar 27, 1994
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries25whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

70 Jan: 0Feb: 2Mar: 5Apr: 2May: 7Jun: 2Jul: 0Aug: 4Sep: 3Oct: 1Nov: 2Dec: 1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 7 of 29 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 1: 1: 03 AM: 0: 1: 16 AM: 1: 0: 19 AM: 1: 0: 312 PM: 1: 3: 23 PM: 2: 2: 56 PM: 2: 1: 19 PM: 0: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 5:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01960: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 1: 1: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 1: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 12000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 02010: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 02020: 1: 0: 1: 1: 1: 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
8
EF1
13
EF2
7
EF3
1

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

F3, March 27, 1994

18.5 mile path Longest path

56.4 miles, F1

April 6, 1956, whole path Widest

267 yards, F0

June 6, 1985
Every tornado

All 29 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Dec 29, 2024EF01.67 mi20 yd00
Aug 7, 2023EF02.05 mi50 yd00
May 23, 2022EF19.76 mi100 yd00
Feb 6, 2020EF117.15 mi150 yd00
Nov 30, 2016EF12.37 mi150 yd00
May 15, 2014EF00.5 mi40 yd00
Mar 3, 2012EF22.94 mi200 yd04
May 9, 2008EF218.21 mi75 yd00
Mar 8, 2005F13 mi50 yd00
Sep 7, 2004F23 mi200 yd00
Aug 1, 1999F00.2 mi10 yd00
May 7, 1998F06 mi50 yd00
Mar 20, 1998F00.1 mi30 yd00
Mar 27, 1994F318.5 mi200 yd02
Mar 10, 1992F23.4 mi180 yd018
Nov 28, 1990F10.1 mi20 yd00
Jun 6, 1985F01 mi267 yd00
May 3, 1984F120 mi100 yd00
Aug 14, 1978F00.1 mi10 yd00
Sep 16, 1977F10.2 mi10 yd00
Oct 8, 1975F10.1 mi50 yd00
May 28, 1973F10.1 mi50 yd01
May 28, 1973F29.6 mi100 yd00
Jun 7, 1968F216.7 mi200 yd00
Sep 12, 1965F20.3 mi70 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Mar 16, 20262 NNE Center City CharlNot 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

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.