Hanover County, Virginia tornadoes

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17confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1959). Most recent: May 27, 2022, 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 Hanover County

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The record

At a glance

Total171950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthSeptember4 of 17
StrongestF3Apr 1, 1998
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries1whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

40 Jan: 1Feb: 0Mar: 0Apr: 3May: 3Jun: 3Jul: 1Aug: 1Sep: 4Oct: 1Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

September is the peak month, with 4 of 17 tornadoes.

By time of day

30 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 2: 06 AM: 0: 0: 19 AM: 0: 0: 212 PM: 0: 2: 33 PM: 2: 2: 16 PM: 2: 0: 09 PM: 0: 0: 012 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: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02000: 1: 0: 0: 1: 2: 1: 0: 0: 1: 02010: 1: 1: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 02020: 0: 0: 1: 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
5
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

Deadliest

F3, April 1, 1998

2 deaths, 0 injuries Strongest

F3, April 1, 1998

5 mile path Longest path

11.36 miles, EF1

October 27, 2010, whole path Widest

400 yards, F3

April 1, 1998
Every tornado

All 17 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 27, 2022EF011.13 mi50 yd00
Sep 17, 2018EF00.5 mi50 yd00
Sep 17, 2018EF10.69 mi100 yd00
Jun 27, 2015EF03.59 mi25 yd00
Jun 30, 2012EF06.17 mi100 yd00
Jun 1, 2012EF01.78 mi100 yd00
Apr 28, 2011EF12.54 mi150 yd00
Oct 27, 2010EF111.36 mi200 yd01
Apr 20, 2008EF04 mi50 yd00
Jan 14, 2005F00.8 mi30 yd00
Sep 17, 2004F01 mi50 yd00
Aug 30, 2004F04 mi40 yd00
Sep 23, 2003F12 mi80 yd00
May 19, 2000F00.3 mi50 yd00
Apr 1, 1998F35 mi400 yd20
Jul 25, 1985F00.2 mi10 yd00
May 7, 1959F10.1 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.