Pennsylvania averages 16 tornadoes per year. The state's most significant event was the May 31, 1985 outbreak that included Pennsylvania's only F5 tornado (Niles-Wheatland, technically on the border). Pennsylvania has experienced multiple deadly tornadoes.
Devastating outbreak included the Wheatland/Niles F5 tornado (technically on OH/PA border). 88 killed across multiple states. 21 tornadoes documented across Pennsylvania.
F4 struck Plymouth area. Notable significant event.
F3 struck Salisbury, Pennsylvania. Multiple deaths.
EF3 struck rural Pennsylvania. Recent significant event.
Pennsylvania sits in an area of transition. Multiple weather systems can affect the state.
Mountains suppress some tornado formation but tornadoes do occur in valleys.
Pennsylvania has been in path of major outbreaks including 1985.
Philadelphia, Lancaster, Reading. Coastal plain influence.
Harrisburg, State College. Susquehanna Valley.
Pittsburgh area, Erie. Multiple significant historical events.