Polk County, Texas tornadoes

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31confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1959). Most recent: April 22, 2020, EF3. 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 Polk County

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The record

At a glance

Total311950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthApril6 of 31
StrongestEF3Apr 22, 2020
Deaths3whole paths, see note
Injuries44whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 0Feb: 1Mar: 4Apr: 6May: 5Jun: 2Jul: 2Aug: 0Sep: 1Oct: 3Nov: 4Dec: 3JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 6 of 31 tornadoes.

By time of day

60 12 AM: 0: 2: 13 AM: 0: 0: 16 AM: 2: 0: 09 AM: 1: 0: 112 PM: 2: 4: 63 PM: 3: 2: 26 PM: 1: 1: 09 PM: 0: 1: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 2:00 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: 11960: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 01980: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 2: 0: 21990: 0: 0: 1: 1: 1: 1: 0: 2: 0: 02000: 0: 1: 1: 2: 1: 0: 1: 2: 0: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 02020: 1: 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
18
EF1
3
EF2
8
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

Deadliest

EF3, April 22, 2020

3 deaths, 33 injuries Strongest

EF3, April 22, 2020

28.51 mile path Longest path

49 miles, F3

March 30, 2002, whole path Widest

1,300 yards, F2

March 30, 1976
Every tornado

All 31 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 22, 2020EF328.51 mi1,100 yd333
Jul 15, 2017EF00.38 mi20 yd00
Feb 10, 2013EF00.51 mi30 yd01
Apr 25, 2011EF00.1 mi20 yd00
May 3, 2007EF00.3 mi25 yd00
Apr 25, 2007EF00.25 mi30 yd00
Apr 29, 2006F00.2 mi20 yd00
Nov 23, 2004F00.1 mi15 yd00
Jun 12, 2003F00.2 mi20 yd00
Jun 12, 2003F00.2 mi20 yd00
Mar 30, 2002F349 mi440 yd06
Oct 13, 2001F10.3 mi25 yd00
Oct 23, 1997F010 mi23 yd00
May 28, 1997F00.5 mi10 yd00
Dec 17, 1995F04 mi50 yd00
May 13, 1994F00.1 mi10 yd00
Nov 16, 1993F00.2 mi50 yd00
Nov 21, 1992F22 mi200 yd00
Oct 16, 1989F00.2 mi10 yd00
May 17, 1989F23 mi150 yd00
Dec 6, 1987F21 mi200 yd00
Dec 6, 1987F21 mi200 yd00
Nov 7, 1986F02 mi10 yd00
Sep 14, 1982F00.5 mi50 yd00
Apr 25, 1980F10.1 mi10 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.