Randolph County, Indiana

County storm and disaster record · FIPS 18135 · population 24,502 · 452 sq mi

NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 344 records for Randolph County, Indiana from 1950 through June 30, 2026, on 250 days; the most frequent are severe thunderstorm wind events (142 records). The deadliest single record is the March 14, 2024 tornado: 1 death, 37 injuries and $23.5 million in damage in 2025 dollars. FEMA has issued 20 declarations naming the county since 1974, 18 of them for natural hazards; the latest for a natural hazard was “Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding” on August 25, 2026.

The record, 1950 to 2026

Storm records filed for the county each year (2026 to June 30, 2026). Before 1996 NOAA recorded only tornadoes (from 1950), thunderstorm wind and hail (from 1955).

  • recorded, no damage figure
  • under $100,000
  • $100,000 or more
  • $1 million or more
  • $10 million or more, or a death
  • $100 million or more, or 10 deaths
  • a year's colour: its recorded damage or deaths
  • a year with a death
  • 1955: wind and hail recorded from 1955
  • 1996: all 48 event types from 1996
Storm records
344on 250 days, 1950 to June 30, 2026
Deaths recorded
258 injuries
Damage, 2025 dollars
$104Mas filed (scale steps before 1993)
Tornadoes
23strongest F4
FEMA declarations
20latest 2026

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records through June 30, 2026 (file revision 20260918); damage converted to 2025 dollars with the BLS CPI-U. Search the record at NCEI. BLS consumer price index.

What hazards hit Randolph County most?

The most frequent records are severe thunderstorm wind events: 142 since 1957. 41% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1957 fell in May and June. The rank column places the county among Indiana's counties by days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land over each hazard's complete period.

Randolph County: records by hazard, 1950 to June 30, 2026
HazardRecordsDaysFirst, lastKilledInjuredDamageRank in state
Severe thunderstorm wind 142 104 1957-2026 0 0 $1.2M 80 of 91
Hail 61 38 1980-2026 0 0 – 81 of 91
Floods 46 40 1998-2021 0 0 $2.6M 58 of 91
Winter storms 40 40 1996-2026 0 0 $156K 72 of 91
Tornadoes 23 21 1955-2026 2 58 $100M 55 of 91
Drought 11 11 2012-2026 0 0 – 27 of 91
High wind and dust storms 11 10 1997-2026 0 0 $127K 63 of 91
Extreme cold 6 6 1996-2026 0 0 – 55 of 91
Lightning 2 2 1998-2007 0 0 $50K 55 of 91
Heat 1 1 1997-1997 0 0 – 64 of 91
Fog, smoke and funnel clouds 1 1 1996-1996 0 0 – 70 of 91

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database (county and forecast-zone records attributed to the county; a zone record shows its own totals on each county it covers). Days: dates with at least one record of the hazard in the county. Ranks: days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land (Census Bureau 2024 Gazetteer), since 1950 for tornadoes, 1955 for hail and thunderstorm wind, 1996 for the rest.

How many tornadoes has Randolph County had?

NOAA records 23 tornadoes in Randolph County from 1955 to 2026, the strongest rated F4, with 2 deaths and 58 injuries recorded in the county. A tornado that crossed a county line is counted in each county it touched, with the length of its path inside the county.

Counted as whole tornadoes rather than county records, the Storm Prediction Center's database holds 22 tornadoes whose track touched Randolph County since 1950 (NOAA's county records number 23: they file a crossing tornado once per county segment, and the two databases differ on some tracks); along their whole tracks they killed 2 people.

The deadliest and strongest tornadoes that touched Randolph County, whole tracks
DateTornadoRatingPathKilled
1974-04-03 14:35, as SPC files itFarmland to RidgevilleF418 mi1
2024-03-14 17:50, as SPC files itCovingtonCrossed IN, OHEF341.34 mi1
1986-03-10 14:55, as SPC files itLynnF37.6 mi0
1961-09-24 15:00, as SPC files itYorktownF338.6 mi0
1961-07-28 19:30, as SPC files itUnion to VersaillesCrossed IN, OHF320.2 mi0
1955-11-15 19:30, as SPC files itPalestineCrossed IN, OHF321 mi0

Map of the strongest tornado tracks in Indiana.

Every tornado record filed for Randolph County (23)
Every tornado recorded in Randolph County, newest first
DatePlaceCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
2026-06-11 Maxville, Randolph County EF0 0.32 mi x 25 yd 0 0 $75K
2025-05-14 Mull, Randolph County EFU 0.26 mi x 50 yd 0 0 –
2024-03-14 Farmland, Randolph County EF3 17.14 mi x 700 yd 1 37 $24M
2022-08-20 Stone, Randolph County EF0 1.71 mi x 20 yd 0 0 $15K
2003-08-01 Ridgeville, Randolph County F0 1 mi x 50 yd 0 0 –
2003-05-01 Union City, Randolph County F0 0.1 mi x 10 yd 0 0 –
1998-06-11 Winchester, Randolph County F0 5 mi x 150 yd 0 0 $18K
1998-06-11 Winchester, Randolph County F1 1.5 mi x 100 yd 0 0 $9K
1989-06-03 Randolph County F0 0.3 mi x 20 yd 0 0 $3K step
1986-03-10 Randolph County F3 7.6 mi x 440 yd 0 0 $25M step
1980-04-08 Randolph County F1 0.5 mi x 60 yd 0 0 $3K step
1975-08-13 Randolph County F0 0.2 mi x 50 yd 0 0 $25K step
1974-04-03 Randolph County F4 16.7 mi x 1,400 yd 1 12 –
1973-09-22 Randolph County F0 0.5 mi x 50 yd 0 0 $25K step
1968-04-20 Randolph County F1 0 0 $3K step
1967-02-15 Randolph County F2 0.5 mi x 10 yd 0 0 $3K step
1963-03-19 Randolph County F2 2.5 mi x 300 yd 0 0 $250K step
1961-09-24 Randolph County F3 20.9 mi x 33 yd 0 0 $250K step
1961-07-28 Randolph County F3 0 0 $3K step
1957-04-05 Randolph County F1 0 0 $3K step
1955-11-15 Randolph County F3 14.4 mi x 400 yd 0 7 $25K step
1955-03-11 Randolph County F2 15.6 mi x 500 yd 0 2 $250K step
1955-03-11 Randolph County F2 0 0 $25K step

A damage figure marked "step" is a record from before 1993: NOAA then filed damage by category, and the figure is the category as entered, in the dollars of that year, not an estimate of the loss.

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, tornado records by county (path length in the county, maximum width); ratings as published: F scale before February 1, 2007, EF scale after. Whole-track figures: NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado database (1950-2025). SPC severe weather database.

When was the last damaging storm in Randolph County?

The most recent record with damage, injuries or deaths is the June 11, 2026 tornado ($75,000 in damage in 2025 dollars).

An EF0 tornado with max winds 70 mph tracked 0.32 miles to ESE creating a clear circulation pattern within corn field. Minor damage occurred to a vehicle and awning and propane tank.
National Weather Service event narrative, NOAA Storm Events Database (search the full record, event 1342628)
The 12 most recent records kept for Randolph County
DateRecordCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
2026-06-11 TornadoMaxville, Randolph County EF0 0.32 mi x 25 yd 0 0 $75K
2026-03-22 HailHarrisville, Randolph County 1.00 in hail 0 0 –
2026-03-22 HailWinchester, Randolph County 1.40 in hail 0 0 –
2026-03-22 HailFairview, Randolph County 1.25 in hail 0 0 –
2026-03-15 High WindRandolph County · forecast zone Randolph 52 kt wind 0 0 $40K
2026-03-11 Thunderstorm WindUnion City, Randolph County 56 kt wind 0 0 $120K
2026-03-11 Thunderstorm WindUnion City, Randolph County 56 kt wind 0 0 $150K
2026-03-01 DroughtRandolph County · forecast zone Randolph 0 0 –
2026-02-01 DroughtRandolph County · forecast zone Randolph 0 0 –
2026-01-26 Extreme Cold/Wind ChillRandolph County · forecast zone Randolph 0 0 –
2026-01-24 Heavy SnowRandolph County · forecast zone Randolph 0 0 –
2026-01-01 DroughtRandolph County · forecast zone Randolph 0 0 –

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database; every record of 2025-2026 is listed, earlier ones when they caused deaths, injuries or $250,000 of damage (2025 dollars), and every tornado.

The deadliest and costliest records

Records with deaths or injuries in Randolph County, most deaths first
DateRecordCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
2024-03-14 TornadoFarmland, Randolph County The Selma tornado lifted in the open area and fields between eastern Delaware county to near Farmland before redeveloping. As it moved through Rural Randolph county it bent or snapped numerous utility poles along State Road 32. Also, a large blade on one of the wind turbines in the area was badly damaged. As the ... EF3 17.14 mi x 700 yd 1 37 $24M
1974-04-03 TornadoRandolph County F4 16.7 mi x 1,400 yd 1 12 –
1955-11-15 TornadoRandolph County F3 14.4 mi x 400 yd 0 7 $25K step
1955-03-11 TornadoRandolph County F2 15.6 mi x 500 yd 0 2 $250K step

A damage figure marked "step" is a record from before 1993: NOAA then filed damage by category, and the figure is the category as entered, in the dollars of that year, not an estimate of the loss.

The costliest records in Randolph County since 1993, damage in 2025 dollars
DateRecordCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
2024-03-14 TornadoFarmland, Randolph County EF3 17.14 mi x 700 yd 1 37 $24M
2003-09-01 Flash FloodCountywide, Randolph County 0 0 $1.6M
2026-03-11 Thunderstorm WindUnion City, Randolph County 56 kt wind 0 0 $150K
2026-06-11 TornadoMaxville, Randolph County EF0 0.32 mi x 25 yd 0 0 $75K
2010-10-26 Thunderstorm WindParker City, Randolph County 65 kt wind 0 0 $54K
2010-08-04 Thunderstorm WindUnionport, Randolph County 65 kt wind 0 0 $41K
2026-03-15 High WindRandolph County · forecast zone Randolph 52 kt wind 0 0 $40K
2012-06-29 Thunderstorm WindFairview, Randolph County 65 kt wind 0 0 $32K

Before 1993 NOAA filed damage by category, not amount, so the list above starts in 1993. The highest category filed here before then (entered as $25M, in the dollars of the day) holds: March 10, 1986 (tornado, Randolph County).

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: deaths and injuries direct and indirect; damage is property plus crops as estimated by the National Weather Service, converted to 2025 dollars.

Is it getting more frequent?

Records per decade for Randolph County's most frequent hazards. Counts rose everywhere after 1996, when NOAA began recording every event type, so compare decades within a hazard's complete period only (the shaded cells come before it).

Randolph County: records per decade (the 2020s to June 30, 2026)
Hazard1950s1960s1970s1980s1990s2000s2010s2020-26
Severe thunderstorm wind4761027403018
Hail00074211811
Floods––––53092
Winter storms––––714136
Tornadoes45332204
Drought––––0047

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records per calendar decade; zone records from the CZ_TYPE field (Z).

What time of year?

41% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1957 fell in May and June. The two busiest months are in violet.

The values, month by month

Jan 25 · Feb 21 · Mar 29 · Apr 21 · May 53 · Jun 53 · Jul 43 · Aug 47 · Sep 20 · Oct 6 · Nov 10 · Dec 16 (records).

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.

Federal disaster declarations for Randolph County

FEMA's register lists 20 declarations that include Randolph County: 12 major disasters, 8 emergencies and 0 fire management assistance declarations. Most were for severe storm (5) and flood (4).

Declarations including Randolph County, newest first
DeclaredNumberTypeTitle
2026-08-25DR-4933FloodSevere Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding
2026-08-15EM-3651FloodSevere Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding
2026-01-24EM-3641Winter StormSevere Winter Storm
2020-04-03DR-4515BiologicalCovid-19 Pandemic
2020-03-13EM-3456BiologicalCovid-19
2008-06-08DR-1766Severe StormSevere Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
2007-03-12EM-3274SnowstormSnow
2005-09-10EM-3238HurricaneHurricane Katrina Evacuation
2005-01-21DR-1573Severe StormSevere Winter Storms and Flooding
2005-01-11EM-3197SnowstormSnow
2003-09-05DR-1487Severe StormSevere Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
2003-07-11DR-1476Severe StormSevere Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
2002-09-25DR-1433Severe StormSevere Storms and Tornadoes
1999-01-15EM-3135SnowstormIn-Winter Storm 12/23/98
1996-04-02DR-1109FloodBlizzard of 96
1991-03-29DR-899Severe Ice StormSevere Ice Storm
1991-01-05DR-891FloodSevere Storms & Flooding
1986-06-05DR-767TornadoTornadoes
1977-02-02EM-3028SnowstormSnowstorms
1974-04-04DR-423TornadoTornadoes

Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (v2), declarations through October 2, 2026; one declaration is counted once however many areas it names. OpenFEMA dataset page.

How many floods has Randolph County had?

NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 46 flood or flash flood records for Randolph County from 1998 to 2021, on 40 days, with 0 deaths. By flood insurance claims since 1978 (OpenFEMA, as of September 8, 2026), Randolph County ranks 2003rd of 2,942 U.S. counties.

The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $143,000 on 25 claims filed in Randolph County; the most in one year was 3 in 2026. Claims count insured losses only: uninsured flood damage is not in this file.

The values, year by year

1987: 1 · 1992: 1 · 1993: 2 · 1995: 1 · 1996: 1 · 1997: 1 · 1998: 1 · 2003: 2 · 2005: 1 · 2008: 1 · 2010: 1 · 2011: 1 · 2013: 1 · 2017: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2020: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2026: 3; the other years: 0.

Source: FEMA OpenFEMA NFIP Redacted Claims, as of September 8, 2026; claims by year of loss, payments in the dollars of the year paid. OpenFEMA dataset page.

FEMA's modeled risk for Randolph County

FEMA's National Risk Index rates Randolph County Very Low overall, with an expected annual loss of $9.2 million. These are FEMA's model estimates of future loss from 18 hazards, not a count of what happened; they can differ from the record above.

National Risk Index ratings for Randolph County (December 2025 release), by FEMA's rating, then score
HazardRisk ratingExpected annual lossModeled frequency
TornadoRelatively Moderate$2.2Monce in about 3 years (modeled)
Strong WindRelatively Moderate$538K4 a year (modeled)
EarthquakeRelatively Low$417Konce in about 616 years (modeled)
Riverine FloodingRelatively Low$5.4M1.4 a year (modeled)
HailRelatively Low$169K4.2 a year (modeled)
LightningRelatively Low$84K44 a year (modeled)
HurricaneVery Low$16Konce in about 120 years (modeled)
LandslideVery Low$232once in about 14 years (modeled)

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county table, December 2025 release. FEMA's National Risk Index map.

Counties that share a border with Randolph County

  1. Darke County, OH 649
  2. Wayne County 595
  3. Delaware County 561
  4. Henry County 369
  5. Randolph County 344
  6. Jay County 258

Source: U.S. Census Bureau county adjacency file; NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records since 1950. The Census Bureau's adjacency file.

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