Lavaca County, Texas tornadoes

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35confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1954). Most recent: May 18, 2021, EF1. 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.

The record

At a glance

Total351950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthMay14 of 35
StrongestF3Sep 20, 1967
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries14whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

140 Jan: 1Feb: 1Mar: 5Apr: 0May: 14Jun: 0Jul: 1Aug: 1Sep: 6Oct: 1Nov: 5Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 14 of 35 tornadoes.

By time of day

40 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 2: 0: 16 AM: 1: 0: 39 AM: 1: 0: 212 PM: 0: 1: 23 PM: 4: 3: 26 PM: 3: 3: 29 PM: 4: 0: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 3:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

60 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 4: 0: 01970: 1: 1: 6: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 0: 32000: 3: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 2: 0: 02010: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12020: 0: 1: 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
11
EF1
17
EF2
5
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, September 20, 1967

4.3 mile path Longest path

20.7 miles, F2

May 18, 1955, whole path Widest

333 yards, F3

September 20, 1967
Every tornado

All 35 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 18, 2021EF11.62 mi150 yd00
May 3, 2019EF02.8 mi20 yd00
Sep 29, 2012EF00.63 mi20 yd00
Sep 7, 2010EF00.2 mi50 yd00
Mar 31, 2007EF20.4 mi75 yd04
Mar 31, 2007EF10.8 mi100 yd00
Nov 23, 2004F00.1 mi20 yd00
Nov 20, 2004F00.3 mi30 yd00
Nov 12, 2000F00.5 mi30 yd00
Nov 12, 2000F00.3 mi20 yd00
Nov 12, 2000F00.3 mi20 yd00
May 30, 1999F10.1 mi20 yd00
May 30, 1999F10.2 mi30 yd00
Jan 1, 1999F00.1 mi30 yd00
Sep 20, 1996F00.2 mi30 yd00
May 13, 1994F11 mi90 yd00
May 13, 1994F20.2 mi50 yd00
May 4, 1991F15 mi30 yd00
Oct 30, 1974F10.5 mi50 yd00
Jul 30, 1972F10.3 mi10 yd00
May 16, 1972F10.5 mi20 yd00
May 16, 1972F10.5 mi20 yd00
May 16, 1972F10.5 mi20 yd00
Mar 20, 1972F24.5 mi50 yd00
Mar 20, 1972F10.2 mi20 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 12, 2026.