Zapata County, Texas tornadoes
5confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1956). Most recent: July 20, 2005, F0. 2026 so far: 0 preliminary reports preliminary
Every tornado path in the county
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
Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Zapata County.
When tornadoes hit here
By month
May is the peak month, with 3 of 5 tornadoes.
By time of day
Most often around 11:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.
By year, 1950 to 2025
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
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
All 5 tornadoes, newest first
| Date | Rating | Path length | Width | Deaths | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 20, 2005 | F0 | 0.1 mi | 20 yd | 0 | 0 |
| May 17, 2002 | F0 | 2 mi | 25 yd | 0 | 0 |
| May 23, 1970 | F2 | 4.5 mi | 50 yd | 0 | 20 |
| May 23, 1970 | F2 | 4.5 mi | 50 yd | 0 | 20 |
| Sep 7, 1956 | F2 | 0.1 mi | 50 yd | 0 | 0 |
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.