National Weather ServiceMassachusettsTornado WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Warnings in Massachusetts
The National Weather Service issued 5 tornado warnings for Massachusetts in 2025 and 7 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 34th most of any state. 2026 through September: 2, 69% below the average of 6 for those months in 2008-2025. Worcester was covered most often (50 times since 2008).
How many tornado warnings does Massachusetts get?
Every tornado warning that covered part of Massachusetts. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 2 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2008 | 3 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Massachusetts get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Massachusetts?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester | 50 | 8 | June 18, 2026 |
| Middlesex | 33 | 6 | June 18, 2026 |
| Franklin | 22 | 2 | September 6, 2025 |
| Hampden | 22 | 2 | June 18, 2026 |
| Hampshire | 20 | 4 | June 18, 2026 |
| Barnstable | 17 | 2 | August 8, 2023 |
| Bristol | 17 | 8 | June 27, 2024 |
| Essex | 14 | 1 | July 16, 2023 |
| Norfolk | 14 | 5 | September 13, 2023 |
| Berkshire | 12 | 3 | September 6, 2025 |
| Plymouth | 11 | 6 | June 27, 2024 |
| Dukes | 10 | 0 | November 13, 2021 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a tornado warning?
The NWS issues a tornado warning when a tornado has been seen or weather radar indicates one in the warned area. Warnings are drawn as polygons around the storm's path and usually last 30 to 60 minutes. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Massachusetts.