Tornadoes in 1956
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 504 tornadoes in 1956, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 81 people and injured 1,308. The busiest month was July (92), and the busiest single day was 3 April 1956, with 29.
- 504tornadoes
- 81deaths
- 1,308injuries
- 29on the busiest day (3 April 1956)
Tornadoes in 1956 were rated on the Fujita (F) scale. Counts of weak tornadoes in particular depend on how many were spotted and reported, which has changed over the decades, so compare years with care.
How strong were the tornadoes of 1956?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 125 | 25% |
| F1 / EF1 | 181 | 36% |
| F2 / EF2 | 147 | 29% |
| F3 / EF3 | 38 | 8% |
| F4 / EF4 | 12 | 2% |
| F5 / EF5 | 1 | <1% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 2 |
| Feb | 47 |
| Mar | 31 |
| Apr | 85 |
| May | 79 |
| Jun | 65 |
| Jul | 92 |
| Aug | 42 |
| Sep | 16 |
| Oct | 29 |
| Nov | 7 |
| Dec | 9 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1956
- Birmingham, Alabama tornado15 April 1956, F4, 25 deaths, 200 injuries, 21.3 miles long
- Holland, Michigan tornado3 April 1956, F5, 17 deaths, 292 injuries, 58.8 miles long
- Berlin, Wisconsin tornado3 April 1956, F4, 7 deaths, 50 injuries, 11.5 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1956
- Holland, Michigan tornado3 April 1956, F5, 17 deaths, 292 injuries, 58.8 miles long
- Birmingham, Alabama tornado15 April 1956, F4, 25 deaths, 200 injuries, 21.3 miles long
- Berlin, Wisconsin tornado3 April 1956, F4, 7 deaths, 50 injuries, 11.5 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.