Northampton County, North Carolina tornadoes

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17confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1973). Most recent: April 19, 2019, EF0. 2026 so far: 0 preliminary reports 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

Total171950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthApril4 of 17
StrongestF2Sep 15, 1981
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries18whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

April is the peak month, with 4 of 17 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 1: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 1: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 1: 1: 13 PM: 3: 5: 06 PM: 2: 1: 09 PM: 0: 1: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 4:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 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: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 11990: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 32020: 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
9
EF1
3
EF2
5

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

F2, September 15, 1981

1.3 mile path Longest path

24.1 miles, F1

May 28, 1973, whole path Widest

500 yards, F0

July 3, 1996
Every tornado

All 17 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 19, 2019EF09.75 mi100 yd00
Apr 19, 2019EF01.5 mi50 yd00
Apr 19, 2019EF115.96 mi100 yd00
Apr 16, 2011EF28.18 mi300 yd00
Sep 8, 2004F03 mi100 yd00
May 9, 2003F01 mi50 yd00
Jul 3, 1996F01 mi500 yd00
Nov 11, 1995F20.3 mi100 yd00
Mar 29, 1991F00.5 mi10 yd00
May 13, 1990F00.2 mi30 yd00
Jan 29, 1990F00.7 mi100 yd00
Mar 30, 1989F222 mi100 yd011
Nov 28, 1988F23 mi100 yd00
Aug 18, 1985F00.2 mi50 yd07
Sep 15, 1981F21.3 mi33 yd00
Mar 24, 1980F11.2 mi150 yd00
May 28, 1973F124.1 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.