Randolph County, North Carolina tornadoes

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17confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1954). Most recent: February 6, 2020, EF1. 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.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Randolph County

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The record

At a glance

Total171950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthMarch4 of 17
StrongestF3Oct 7, 1965
Deaths3whole paths, see note
Injuries21whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

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

By time of day

40 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 2: 312 PM: 1: 1: 13 PM: 1: 0: 46 PM: 3: 0: 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: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 11970: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 21990: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 1: 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
4
EF1
7
EF2
5
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

Deadliest

EF2, November 16, 2011

2 deaths, 15 injuries Strongest

F3, October 7, 1965

1 mile path Longest path

28 miles, F2

March 29, 1991, whole path Widest

300 yards, F2

March 29, 1991
Every tornado

All 17 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Feb 6, 2020EF10.38 mi100 yd00
Nov 16, 2011EF212.51 mi200 yd215
Aug 27, 2008EF00.5 mi50 yd00
May 7, 1998F11 mi30 yd00
May 11, 1995F01 mi33 yd00
Mar 27, 1994F00.1 mi10 yd00
Mar 29, 1991F228 mi300 yd00
Jun 16, 1989F10.5 mi10 yd00
Jun 16, 1989F10.1 mi30 yd00
Mar 8, 1983F00.1 mi17 yd00
Oct 1, 1977F29.4 mi40 yd00
Mar 24, 1975F17.1 mi67 yd01
May 28, 1973F14 mi10 yd00
Aug 18, 1970F10.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 18, 1969F20.1 mi10 yd01
Oct 7, 1965F31 mi33 yd14
Aug 17, 1954F22.1 mi110 yd00
Cities

Cities in Randolph County

Each city page counts every tornado path within 10 miles of the city, including paths just over the county line.

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 13, 2026.