Tornadoes Statistics By Property Damage in USA History, Most Tornadoes in 24 Hours and Number of Deaths

Table of Contents

Introduction
Editor’s Choice
General Tornado Statistics
Tornado Facts
Tornado Statistics by Costliest Tornadoes by Property Damage in USA History
Tornado Statistics by Most Tornadoes in 24 Hours
Tornado Statistics by Most Tornadoes Recorded Between January to March
Tornado Statistics by Number of Deaths
Top 10 Most Common Types of Tornadoes in The USA
How to Protect Property From Tornadoes?
Tornado Statistics by 25 Deadliest US Tornadoes by Deaths
Tornadoes in the U.S.: A Billion-Dollar Problem on the Rise
Conclusion

Introduction

Tornadoes Statistics: Tornadoes represent the dangerous and destructive side of nature. As explained in these tornado statistics, there are multiple types of tornadoes. The United States of America records the majority of such events every year.

Tornadoes are so destructive that within their spins, they can take along the houses and whatever comes in their way. Today’s technological advancement still poses some limitations to prevent such events. Let’s take a review of last year’s massive and destructive Tornadoes from across the world.

Editor’s Choice

Thunderstorms are often responsible for starting tornadoes that lead to tornado outbreaks, which means multiple tornadoes in a single day.
February 2023 recorded one of the highest and 10th most active total tornadoes in history.
As of December 2023, the month-wise Tornado Statistics show the number of occurrences as follows: January (166), February (60), March (266), April (178), May (179), June (241), July (121), August (127), September (10), October (25), and November (16).
Tornado Statistics confirm that 2023 recorded the exceeded regular average length of tornadoes.
When tornadoes spin, they collect leaves, tree limbs, dirt, or any other material left on the ground, which they call debris balls.
In 2008 and 2017, there were more than 300 occurrences in the Q1 of the mentioned years.
2023 recorded the highest number of tornado-caused deaths in March, contributing 47, the number of people who lost their lives.
Anticyclonic tornadoes that spin in the opposite direction affect 2% of the area. This type is mostly seen in Southern Hemisphere countries.
According to reports by The Washington Post, the United States has recorded approximately 67,000 tornadoes since 1950.
In 2023, there were 1,450 preliminary reports of tornadoes, while 1,402 tornadoes were confirmed in the USA.

General Tornado Statistics

In 2023, there were 1,450 preliminary reports of tornadoes, while 1,402 tornadoes were confirmed in the USA.
As of December 2023, the month-wise Tornado Statistics show the number of occurrences as follows: January (166), February (60), March (266), April (178), May (179), June (241), July (121), August (127), September (10), October (25), and November (16).
The first three months of 2023 saw an above-average number of Tornado events; however, April and May recorded below-average numbers.
February 2023 recorded one of the highest and 10th most active total tornadoes in history.
According to reports by The Washington Post, the United States has recorded approximately 67,000 tornadoes since 1950.
Tornado Statistics confirm that 2023 recorded the exceeded regular average length of tornadoes.
80% of all tornadoes are more likely to be classified as EF0 to EF1, according to the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
Moreover, 10% of all tornadoes are categorized as violent, with EF4 to EF5.
Tornado statistics show that the USA, Alabama, Kansas, and Mississippi are the top states with the highest number of fatalities due to tornadoes every year.
25% of the tornadoes take place outside of the USA.
Every year, around 20 people lose their lives because of tornadoes in the USA.
Furthermore, the average tornado warning lead time is around 13 minutes.
On average, 1 mile long and 50 yards wide is the average tornado damage path.
In addition, the average forward speed is around 30 miles per hour.
Other than the USA, Europe and the United Kingdom have the highest average frequency rate of occurrences, contributing 30 to 50 tornadoes per year.

Tornado Facts

Tornadoes do not occur in any season but rather appear in any month of the year.
Tornado Statistics show that anticyclonic tornadoes that spin in the opposite direction affect 2% of the area. This type is mostly seen in Southern Hemisphere countries.
Thunderstorms are often responsible for starting tornadoes that lead to tornado outbreaks, which means multiple tornadoes in a single day.
When tornadoes spin, they collect leaves, tree limbs, dirt, or any other material left on the ground, these are called debris balls.
Tornadoes are classified by the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which is an EF rating. 0 rating is given to tornadoes with 65 to 85 mph, and EF5 is given to anything more than 200 mph.
Supercell tornadoes can lead to most deadly tornadoes.
Majority of the tornadoes are moving at a speed of 300 miles per hour.
The United States is more prone to tornadoes than other parts of the world.
Moreover, every year, the USA experiences more than 1,000 tornadoes on average.
The most catastrophic and destructive tornadoes are likely to grow in a mile in diameter which are the huge wedge tornadoes.

Tornado Statistics by Costliest Tornadoes by Property Damage in USA History

EP5 Tornado occurred on May 8th, 2008, in Joplin, Missouri causing $1.4 billion of property damage.
EP5 Tornado occurred on 27th April 2011 in Hackleburg, Alabama, causing $1.5 billion of property damage.
EP5 Tornado occurred on 20th May 2013, in Moore, Oklahoma, causing $2 billion of property damage.
EP4 Tornado occurred on 27th April 2011 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, causing $2.45 billion of property damage.
EP5 Tornado occurred on 22nd May 2011 in Joplin, Missouri causing $2.8 billion of property damage.

Tornado Statistics by Most Tornadoes in 24 Hours

(Source: accuweather.com)

According to NWS local storm reports, the majority of the tornadoes within 24 hours were observed in April 1974, 2011, and 2020. Every respective year, there were 143, 173, and 113 occurrences of Tornadoes. Moreover, in 2023, March recorded the highest number of tornadoes with 24 hours contributing 122 occurrences.

Tornado Statistics by Most Tornadoes Recorded Between January to March

(Source: accuweather.com)

Between January and March 2023, the recorded number of tornadoes was highest at 466* compared to other mentioned years. In 2008 and 2017, there were more than 300 occurrences in the Q1 of the mentioned years. On the other hand, 2012 and 1999 experienced fewer than 300 events.

Tornado Statistics by Number of Deaths

(Reference: iii.org)

Tornado Statistics 2023 recorded the highest number of tornado-caused deaths in March, contributing to 47, the number of people who lost their lives. On the other hand, the highest number of occurrences was observed in June, resulting in 234. Overall, the USA experienced more than 1,000 tornado events.

Top 10 Most Common Types of Tornadoes in The USA

Waterspout

Tornadoes that occur on the water are termed waterspouts. When the weather becomes extreme in the water areas, it leads to a waterspout. Furthermore, when it moves to land areas, it is termed a tornado.

Landspout

Most of the time, landspouts are weak and short-term. They spin near the ground area but are not usually connected to the base of a swirling thunderstorm. However, there are stronger landspouts that can create damage similar to tornadoes. These are usually formed on sunny and warm days.

Multi-vortex Tornado

Instead of a single spinning column of air, they occur in multiple twisters. Multi-vortex tornadoes commonly occur post-storm.

Twin Tornadoes

Twin Tornadoes are the rarest tornadic phenomena. These differ from satellite or multi-vortex tornadoes. These occur side by side. Moreover, Twin Tornadoes are also referred to as sisters.

Satellite Tornado

Severe tornadoes when occurred along with smaller funnels are called satellite tornadoes. These rotate on the main area of circulation. Furthermore, multi-vortex tornadoes and satellite tornadoes differ from each other.

Elephant Trunk

When a tornado appears in the curve-like shape of the trunk of an elephant is it referred to as an elephant trunk tornado.

Wedge Tornado

Wedge tornadoes are the massive, most destructive, and most catastrophic tornadoes. They can grow up to a mile in diameter.

Cone Tornado

As the name suggests, these appear in ice cream cone shapes. Cone tornadoes are wider above the ground and become narrower as they extend down to the ground. Compared to rope tornadoes, these are more destructive.

Rope Tornado

Similar to the shape of a rope, these tornadoes last only a few minutes, they are short-lived and less destructive. However, they have the power to evolve into twisters.

Stovepipe Tornado

Stoviepipe and cone tornadoes belong to the same family. However, their shapes differ, but their size remains the same. Stovepipe tornadoes are connected to the base of the main thunderstorm.

How to Protect Property From Tornadoes?

The Property Can be Made Tornadoe Proof in The Following Ways

Adding extra protection to the doors and windows, such as storm shutters and impact-resistant windows, and adding wood or metal support for garage doors.
Remove any outdoor hazards, such as large tree limbs, outdoor furniture, children’s toys, lawn chairs, potted plants, or empty planters. These could be thrown away in any direction.
Attach clips or straps to the rafters of roof trusses in the studs of the bearing wall, which will support the roof.
Secure appliances and large furniture by attaching anchors to stick to the wall.
Take care of any water, electric, or gas leaks after the storm has passed.
Keep important documents, such as birth certificates, passwords, insurance information, bank papers, etc. in a safe place.
Build a safe room, away from windows, located in the basement.

Tornado Statistics by 25 Deadliest US Tornadoes by Deaths

18th March 1925, Tri-State (MO, IL, IN), 695 deaths
06th May 1840, Narchex MS, 317 deaths
27th May 1896, St.Louis MO, 255 deaths
05th April 1936, Tupelo MS, 216 deaths
06th April 1947, Gainesville GA 158 deaths
09th April 1947, Woodward, OK, 181 deaths
22nd May 2011, Joplin MO, 158 deaths
24th April, 1908, Amite LA, Purvis MS, 143 deaths
12th June 1899, New Richmond WI, 177 deaths
8th June 1953, Flint MI, 116 deaths
11th May 1953, Waco TX, 114 deaths
18th May, 1902, Goliad TX, 114 deaths
23rd March 1913, Omaha NE, 103 deaths
26th May 1917, Mattoon IL, 101 deaths
23rd June 1944, Shinnston WV, 100 deaths
18th April 1880, Marshfield MO, 99 deaths
01st June 1903, Gainesville GA, 98 deaths
09th May 1927, Poplar Bluff MO, 98 deaths
10th May 1905, Snyder OK, 97 deaths
3rd June 1860, Comanche ia, Albany IL, 92 deaths
24th April 1908, Natchez MS, 91 deaths
09th June 1953, Worcester MA, 90 deaths
20th April 1920, Starkville MS to Waco AL, 88 deaths
28th June 1924, Lorain/ Sandusky OG, 85 deaths
25th May 1955, Udall KS, 80 deaths

(Source: spc.noaa.gov)

Tornadoes in the U.S.: A Billion-Dollar Problem on the Rise

According to a report by CNBC, tornadoes are causing more damage in the United States than ever before. One hundred sixty-one people lost their lives in the Joplin tornado. Troy, a city official, and Ann both survived. The tornado that hit Joplin in May 2011 caused almost $3 billion in damage, making it the most expensive tornado in U.S. history.

The United States experiences around 1,200 tornadoes every year, more than any other country in the world. Tornadoes can be rated on a scale from EF0 to EF5 based on their estimated wind speeds and the damage they cause. This rating scale was developed by wind engineers who examined the damage caused by tornadoes to predict their wind speeds accurately.

The devastating EF5 tornado that struck Joplin had estimated winds of 200 miles per hour. It destroyed thousands of residential homes and hundreds of businesses. Despite the destruction, Joplin managed to rebuild with the help of its community.

Rebuilding after a tornado is a long and difficult process that can take years. It requires communities to come together and think about how to make their buildings more resilient to future disasters.

Tornadoes historically occur more frequently in the central Great Plains of the U.S., but they can happen anywhere in the country. Places like Memphis, Indianapolis, and Nashville have seen an increase in tornado frequency, leading to more damage and higher costs.

The Southeast and Midwest regions have seen a rise in tornado frequency, which is concerning because more people live in these areas. This means there are more targets for tornadoes, increasing the vulnerability of communities and buildings.

Despite the challenges posed by tornadoes, there are ways to reduce their impact. Engineers know how to build stronger structures that can withstand high winds. By investing in resilient building materials and construction techniques, the damage caused by tornadoes can be minimized.

Following the Joplin tornado, the city implemented changes to its building codes better to protect its buildings and residents from future tornadoes. However, not all communities have building codes in place, leaving them vulnerable to tornado damage.

Building codes are generally decided at the local level and can be influenced by financial considerations. Some communities may be hesitant to implement stricter building codes due to concerns about affordability and housing costs.

Federal resources are available to help communities build more resilient structures and mitigate the damage caused by tornadoes. FEMA has released a Building Codes Strategy to strengthen building codes nationwide, and the Biden administration has allocated funds for climate resilience and weatherization projects.

In conclusion, tornadoes are a significant problem in the United States, causing billions of dollars in damage each year. By investing in resilient building materials and codes, communities can reduce the impact of tornadoes and protect their residents from harm.

Conclusion

Concluding Tornado Statistics, it is confirmed that these are the most dangerous and destructive types of natural calamities. Every year, the United States experiences major economic losses because of massive Tornadoes. On an individual level, many people lose their lives and homes. Some become forever homeless while others experience the costliest repairs to their homes.

Even though technology and weather forecasting are advanced in many ways, it is still a challenge to predict tornadoes and prepare for the challenges. However, as mentioned above, it is important to prepare for all kinds of natural calamities in any given season. Building a strong house will reduce the possible losses.

Sources

Central Michigan University

Sill Public Adjusters

Center for Disaster Philanthropy

AccuWeather

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company

CNBC

Pramod Pawar

Pramod Pawar brings over a decade of SEO expertise to his role as the co-founder of 11Press and Prudour Market Research firm. A B.E. IT graduate from Shivaji University, Pramod has honed his skills in analyzing and writing about statistics pertinent to technology and science. His deep understanding of digital strategies enhances the impactful insights he provides through his work. Outside of his professional endeavors, Pramod enjoys playing cricket and delving into books across various genres, enriching his knowledge and staying inspired. His diverse experiences and interests fuel his innovative approach to statistical research and content creation.