Tornadoes are relatively uncommon in West Virginia, averaging roughly two per year. Although tornadoes have occurred in every month of the year in West Virginia; they are most common between the months of April and July. [1] The strongest tornadoes confirmed in West Virginia were two F4 tornadoes, both in the northern part of the state and both occurring on June 23, 1944.
As of June 2024, there have been at least 192 tornadoes confirmed in the state of West Virginia since 1875. Recorded events have increased in frequency due to more cameras and cell phones, as well as drone surveying tools. In 2024, there were 18 tornadoes in the state, breaking the record for most annual tornadoes, previously set in 1998 with 14 twisters. [2] From 1993 to 2022, the state averaged two tornadoes per year. [3]
There are five West Virginia counties that have never reported a tornado. [1] Conversely, Kanawha County has experienced the most events, with 16 tornadoes since 1875. [2] [1]
![]() |
![]() | This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (January 2025) |
![]() | This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (January 2025) |
The following is a chart showing West Virginia tornadoes by month or by time period. Although at the moment, it only includes 10 of the tornadoes that impacted in April 2024; 2 in May 2024; and 3 in June. [65]
Month | Number of tornadoes |
---|---|
January | |
February | |
March | |
April | |
May | |
June | |
July | |
August | |
September | |
October | |
November | |
December |
Period | Number of tornadoes |
---|---|
1800s | |
1900–49 | |
1950s | |
1960s | |
1970s | |
1980s | |
1990s | |
2000s | |
2010s | |
2020s |