Wells County, North Dakota tornadoes

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27confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1952). Most recent: July 4, 2024, EFU. 2026 so far: 2 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 Wells County

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The record

At a glance

Total271950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthJuly13 of 27
StrongestF3Jun 15, 1952
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries1whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

130 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 0Apr: 0May: 3Jun: 9Jul: 13Aug: 2Sep: 0Oct: 0Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

July is the peak month, with 13 of 27 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 0: 1: 112 PM: 0: 2: 23 PM: 2: 3: 26 PM: 5: 2: 39 PM: 2: 0: 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

30 1950: 0: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 0: 01970: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01980: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 2: 2: 1: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 3: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12020: 0: 0: 1: 0: 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: 2 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
17
EF1
5
EF2
2
EF3
1
Unknown
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, June 15, 1952

1.7 mile path Longest path

5.62 miles, EF0

July 16, 2011, whole path Widest

880 yards, F2

July 6, 1954
Every tornado

All 27 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jul 4, 2024EFU0.36 mi50 yd00
Jun 24, 2022EFU0.25 mi25 yd00
Jun 15, 2019EF00.46 mi30 yd00
Jul 17, 2011EF00.04 mi20 yd00
Jul 16, 2011EF01.17 mi30 yd00
Jul 16, 2011EF05.62 mi30 yd00
Jun 6, 2004F0n/a30 yd00
Jul 4, 2000F03 mi40 yd00
Jul 23, 1993F00.1 mi13 yd00
Jun 22, 1993F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 21, 1987F00.2 mi10 yd00
Jul 27, 1986F00.2 mi13 yd00
Jun 15, 1986F00.2 mi10 yd00
Aug 21, 1985F00.2 mi10 yd00
May 30, 1985F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 7, 1984F00.5 mi10 yd00
Jul 30, 1981F00.4 mi10 yd00
Jun 25, 1978F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 8, 1974F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 25, 1970F13.3 mi20 yd00
Jun 24, 1966F10.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 19, 1965F10.1 mi10 yd00
May 20, 1965F20.1 mi10 yd00
Aug 14, 1957F10.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 6, 1954F22 mi880 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jul 16, 20268 SSE BremenNot yet rated
Jul 9, 20264 SW HambergNot 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 13, 2026.