Nelson County, North Dakota tornadoes

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41confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1976). Most recent: June 24, 2022, 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 Nelson County

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The record

At a glance

Total411950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthJuly19 of 41
StrongestF3Jul 18, 2001
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries0whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

190 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 0Apr: 0May: 1Jun: 14Jul: 19Aug: 5Sep: 2Oct: 0Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

July is the peak month, with 19 of 41 tornadoes.

By time of day

100 12 AM: 1: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 112 PM: 0: 6: 03 PM: 4: 8: 46 PM: 10: 3: 19 PM: 1: 2: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 6:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

70 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 1: 01980: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 3: 0: 11990: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 22000: 0: 7: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 4: 0: 12010: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 2: 1: 2: 2: 12020: 1: 0: 3: 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
31
EF1
8
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

Strongest

F3, July 18, 2001

5 mile path Longest path

9.02 miles, EF0

July 7, 2016, whole path Widest

580 yards, EF3

August 26, 2007
Every tornado

All 41 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jun 24, 2022EF00.98 mi100 yd00
Jun 24, 2022EF00.42 mi100 yd00
Jun 24, 2022EF00.69 mi100 yd00
Jun 7, 2020EF00.1 mi50 yd00
Jul 28, 2019EF13.82 mi100 yd00
Jun 8, 2018EF12.69 mi150 yd00
Jun 8, 2018EF00.25 mi75 yd00
Sep 1, 2017EF06.02 mi150 yd00
Sep 1, 2017EF00.07 mi50 yd00
Jul 7, 2016EF09.02 mi100 yd00
Jul 23, 2015EF10.5 mi350 yd00
Jun 27, 2015EF14.8 mi75 yd00
Jul 21, 2014EF00.01 mi20 yd00
Jun 17, 2010EF03 mi25 yd00
Jun 26, 2009EF03 mi100 yd00
Aug 26, 2007EF36 mi580 yd00
Aug 13, 2007EF06 mi100 yd00
Aug 10, 2007EF14.09 mi50 yd00
Jun 17, 2007EF00.2 mi25 yd00
May 19, 2004F01 mi25 yd00
Jul 18, 2001F00.5 mi25 yd00
Jul 18, 2001F00.5 mi25 yd00
Jul 18, 2001F00.5 mi25 yd00
Jul 18, 2001F00.5 mi100 yd00
Jul 18, 2001F00.5 mi100 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.