Northumberland County, Pennsylvania tornadoes

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14confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: July 24, 2017, 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 Northumberland County

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The record

At a glance

Total141950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthMay3 of 14
StrongestF3May 31, 1985
Deaths6whole paths, see note
Injuries61whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

May is the peak month, with 3 of 14 tornadoes.

By time of day

30 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 212 PM: 0: 2: 03 PM: 2: 2: 26 PM: 1: 3: 09 PM: 0: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 7:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 2: 02000: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 02020: 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
4
EF1
7
EF2
2
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

F3, May 31, 1985

6 deaths, 60 injuries Strongest

F3, May 31, 1985

19 mile path Longest path

19 miles, F3

May 31, 1985, whole path Widest

910 yards, F3

May 31, 1985
Every tornado

All 14 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jul 24, 2017EF00.34 mi25 yd00
Jun 30, 2015EF11.1 mi100 yd00
Jun 8, 2015EF00.12 mi20 yd00
May 23, 2011EF11.24 mi100 yd00
Sep 4, 2001F12.5 mi300 yd00
Sep 27, 1998F11.2 mi700 yd00
Jun 2, 1998F115 mi440 yd00
Jul 18, 1997F02.3 mi100 yd00
Apr 16, 1993F10.2 mi30 yd00
May 31, 1985F319 mi910 yd660
May 23, 1983F12 mi30 yd00
Aug 28, 1978F23.3 mi50 yd01
Aug 26, 1975F00.1 mi10 yd00
Sep 12, 1953F24.7 mi50 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.