CHARLESTON, WV – While West Virginia typically averages only about two tornadoes per year, the state has experienced several significant outbreaks that brought multiple tornadoes in a single day. In recent years, advancements in technology—like drones and widespread security cameras—have also led to more confirmed sightings of weaker tornadoes.
Here are the Top 5 Tornado Days in West Virginia history:
1. April 2, 2024 (10 Tornadoes)
This severe weather event currently holds the record for the largest tornado outbreak in West Virginia history. Fueled by a powerful derecho that moved through the state during the mid-morning hours, a total of 10 (with some tracking systems noting up to 11) tornadoes touched down. The strongest was a high-end EF2 in Fayette County.
2. July 21, 2026 (9 Tornadoes)
A massive severe storm system produced widespread straight-line winds, heavy flooding, and at least 9 confirmed tornadoes. Many of these tracked across the Ohio River from Washington County, Ohio, into Pleasants and Tyler counties in West Virginia, causing significant damage to camper trailers, communication towers, and trees.
3. June 2, 1998 (6 to 9 Tornadoes)
For over two decades, this event held or tied the state record for the most tornadoes in a single day. A line of supercells produced numerous tornadoes traversing rugged terrain, including the Kanawha Valley area. Depending on the meteorological source, between 6 and 9 individual touchdowns were recorded.
4. April 4, 1974 (6 Tornadoes)
This event was part of the infamous 1974 “Super Outbreak,” one of the most intense tornado outbreaks in global history. During the early morning hours, six tornadoes touched down in southern West Virginia. The highest rating was an F3, and the storms caused devastating damage to communities like Meadow Bridge and Coal City.
5. June 23, 1944 (At least 3 Tornadoes)
While recent days like June 5, 2024, and August 9, 2000, also saw 3 confirmed tornadoes, the June 23, 1944 outbreak is the most infamous in state history. It produced two massive F4 tornadoes in northern West Virginia. This outbreak included the Shinnston tornado, which remains the deadliest tornado event in the state’s history.
Note on Tornado Tracking: The apparent increase in tornadoes during the 2020s (such as in 2024 and 2026) is largely attributed to better radar systems, drone surveying tools, and the ubiquity of smartphones, which allow meteorologists to confirm brief, weak (EF0/EF1) tornadoes that would have gone entirely unnoticed in previous decades.