Madison County, Ohio tornadoes

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16confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1965). Most recent: February 28, 2024, EF1. 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.

The record

At a glance

Total161950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthApril4 of 16
StrongestF3May 10, 1973
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries22whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

April is the peak month, with 4 of 16 tornadoes.

By time of day

30 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 1: 2: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 112 PM: 0: 1: 23 PM: 2: 2: 36 PM: 2: 0: 09 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: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01980: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 2: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 02020: 1: 0: 0: 1: 2: 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
5
EF1
7
EF2
3
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

F2, March 10, 1986

1 deaths, 10 injuries Strongest

F3, May 10, 1973

89.6 mile path Longest path

89.6 miles, F3

May 10, 1973, whole path Widest

500 yards, EF2

February 28, 2024
Every tornado

All 16 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Feb 28, 2024EF112.3 mi250 yd00
Feb 28, 2024EF221.11 mi500 yd03
Sep 28, 2023EF00.01 mi25 yd00
May 18, 2020EF01.92 mi75 yd00
Apr 3, 2018EF00.2 mi50 yd00
Nov 5, 2017EF16.62 mi200 yd00
May 11, 2008EF01.76 mi20 yd00
Jul 11, 2006F01 mi20 yd00
Jun 10, 1986F115 mi73 yd00
Mar 10, 1986F228 mi100 yd110
May 31, 1985F10.5 mi50 yd00
Apr 3, 1982F13 mi50 yd01
Apr 19, 1978F19.5 mi10 yd00
Apr 3, 1974F215.7 mi180 yd00
May 10, 1973F389.6 mi300 yd08
Nov 16, 1965F10.1 mi50 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Aug 11, 20262 SSE Plain CityNot yet rated
Aug 11, 20261 N Choctaw LakeNot 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 12, 2026.