Utah Tornadoes
Utah averages 2 tornadoes per year - one of the lowest counts in the country. History includes 1999 Salt Lake City F2 tornado.
Utah Tornado Statistics
- Average tornadoes per year: ~2
- Peak season: Summer
- Notable event: 1999 Salt Lake City F2
The 1999 Salt Lake City Tornado
On August 11, 1999, an F2 tornado struck downtown Salt Lake City. Occurred during the LDS Church General Conference. 1 killed, 100+ injured. Unusual event for the state.
Why So Rare?
Great Basin Position
Utah sits in the Great Basin. Dry air limits tornado formation.
Mountain Terrain
Wasatch Range and surrounding mountains disrupt storm development.
Continental Position
Far from Gulf moisture sources.
Living in Utah
- Tornado risk extremely low
- Basic weather awareness sufficient
- Focus on other severe weather (heavy snow, flash flood)
- NOAA weather radio for general severe weather
Try the interactive simulator
Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.
Launch simulator →🛡️ Preparedness resources
🚨NOAA weather radio
Midland WR120 — the standard
Storm shelter installation
Local certified installers
Try the interactive simulator
Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.
Launch simulator →