Sanborn County, South Dakota tornadoes

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23confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1952). Most recent: June 23, 2018, 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 Sanborn County

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The record

At a glance

Total231950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthJune14 of 23
StrongestF3Jun 24, 2003
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries2whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

140 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 0Apr: 1May: 6Jun: 14Jul: 1Aug: 0Sep: 1Oct: 0Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

June is the peak month, with 14 of 23 tornadoes.

By time of day

90 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 1: 0: 33 PM: 1: 1: 96 PM: 2: 1: 39 PM: 1: 0: 112 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

40 1950: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 01980: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12000: 0: 0: 0: 4: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 12010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 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
15
EF1
3
EF2
4
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

Strongest

F3, June 24, 2003

6 mile path Longest path

20.1 miles, F2

April 19, 1973, whole path Widest

500 yards, F3

June 24, 2003
Every tornado

All 23 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jun 23, 2018EF00.18 mi50 yd00
Jun 24, 2009EF00.41 mi50 yd00
May 5, 2007EF10.5 mi100 yd00
Sep 16, 2006F00.1 mi50 yd00
Jun 5, 2006F02 mi200 yd00
Jun 24, 2003F00.1 mi50 yd00
Jun 24, 2003F00.5 mi50 yd00
Jun 24, 2003F36 mi500 yd00
Jun 24, 2003F00.1 mi50 yd00
Jun 4, 1999F110 mi400 yd00
Jun 7, 1993F29 mi100 yd00
Jun 16, 1992F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 15, 1992F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 11, 1985F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 11, 1985F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 25, 1980F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jul 4, 1978F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 24, 1978F20.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 19, 1973F220.1 mi200 yd02
May 26, 1972F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 6, 1967F10.1 mi10 yd00
May 21, 1962F210.4 mi10 yd00
Jun 23, 1952F02 mi43 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.