Sterling County, Texas tornadoes

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19 confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1955). Most recent: May 22, 2024, EF3. 2026 so far: 0 preliminary reports preliminary

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Every tornado path in the county

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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.

At a glance

Total191950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthMay12 of 19
StrongestEF3May 22, 2024
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries0whole paths, see note

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

When tornadoes hit here

By month

120 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 2Apr: 4May: 12Jun: 1Jul: 0Aug: 0Sep: 0Oct: 0Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 12 of 19 tornadoes.

By time of day

60 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 16 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 112 PM: 0: 0: 23 PM: 2: 0: 16 PM: 6: 4: 29 PM: 0: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 6:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 11990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12000: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 02010: 0: 0: 3: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 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
1
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.

Notable tornadoes

Strongest

EF3, May 22, 2024

4.79 mile path Longest path

11.4 miles, EF2

May 17, 2021, whole path Widest

1,056 yards, EF2

May 17, 2021

All 19 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 22, 2024EF34.79 mi400 yd00
May 17, 2021EF211.4 mi1,056 yd00
May 5, 2015EF00.83 mi50 yd00
May 26, 2014EF00.22 mi40 yd00
Apr 7, 2012EF01.18 mi30 yd00
Apr 7, 2012EF00.77 mi30 yd00
Apr 7, 2012EF02.31 mi40 yd00
May 2, 2007EF00.59 mi20 yd00
May 31, 2005F01 mi30 yd00
May 31, 2005F01 mi30 yd00
Mar 22, 2000F01 mi250 yd00
Mar 22, 2000F00.5 mi20 yd00
May 31, 1999F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 14, 1989F26 mi600 yd00
May 13, 1985F00.1 mi27 yd00
Jun 11, 1982F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 12, 1982F07 mi40 yd00
Apr 19, 1972F10.5 mi20 yd00
May 25, 1955F00.1 mi440 yd00

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.