Wayne County, North Carolina tornadoes

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30confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1955). Most recent: September 5, 2019, 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.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Wayne County

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The record

At a glance

Total301950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthMarch8 of 30
StrongestF4Mar 28, 1984
Deaths4whole paths, see note
Injuries286whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

80 Jan: 1Feb: 2Mar: 8Apr: 5May: 2Jun: 3Jul: 1Aug: 3Sep: 2Oct: 1Nov: 2Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

March is the peak month, with 8 of 30 tornadoes.

By time of day

40 12 AM: 0: 2: 03 AM: 0: 0: 16 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 2: 1: 212 PM: 4: 3: 43 PM: 3: 2: 06 PM: 2: 2: 09 PM: 0: 1: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 12:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 1: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 01980: 2: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 3: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 1: 12020: 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
15
EF1
9
EF2
3
EF3
2
EF4
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

F4, March 28, 1984

3 deaths, 149 injuries Strongest

F4, March 28, 1984

21 mile path Longest path

64.1 miles, F0

April 8, 1962, whole path Widest

1,407 yards, F4

March 28, 1984
Every tornado

All 30 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Sep 5, 2019EF00.63 mi125 yd00
Sep 17, 2018EF00.37 mi100 yd00
Oct 8, 2016EF00.93 mi250 yd00
Feb 24, 2016EF01.01 mi75 yd00
Feb 21, 2014EF10.83 mi175 yd00
Apr 16, 2011EF320.42 mi400 yd030
Aug 27, 2008EF01.94 mi100 yd00
Apr 12, 2008EF00.92 mi20 yd00
Apr 12, 2008EF00.44 mi20 yd00
Jun 4, 2004F01 mi100 yd00
Apr 1, 1998F00.5 mi50 yd00
Mar 8, 1998F21 mi50 yd00
Jan 6, 1995F10.5 mi50 yd022
Aug 6, 1993F11 mi30 yd00
Nov 4, 1992F12 mi30 yd00
Nov 4, 1992F00.2 mi10 yd00
Aug 20, 1986F21 mi23 yd00
Mar 28, 1984F39 mi527 yd081
Mar 28, 1984F421 mi1,407 yd3149
Jul 3, 1980F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 26, 1980F00.1 mi10 yd00
Mar 4, 1977F10.2 mi10 yd00
Mar 4, 1977F10.2 mi10 yd02
May 23, 1975F10.1 mi10 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 13, 2026.