Tornadoes in 1959
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 604 tornadoes in 1959, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 58 people and injured 734. The busiest month was May (226), and the busiest single day was 4 May 1959, with 46.
- 604tornadoes
- 58deaths
- 734injuries
- 46on the busiest day (4 May 1959)
Tornadoes in 1959 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 1959?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 145 | 24% |
| F1 / EF1 | 262 | 43% |
| F2 / EF2 | 155 | 26% |
| F3 / EF3 | 35 | 6% |
| F4 / EF4 | 7 | 1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 16 |
| Feb | 20 |
| Mar | 43 |
| Apr | 30 |
| May | 226 |
| Jun | 73 |
| Jul | 63 |
| Aug | 38 |
| Sep | 58 |
| Oct | 24 |
| Nov | 11 |
| Dec | 2 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1959
- St. Louis, Missouri tornado10 February 1959, F4, 21 deaths, 345 injuries, 23.9 miles long
- Charlottesville, Virginia tornado30 September 1959, F3, 11 deaths, 4 injuries, 0.8 miles long
- Stonewall, Oklahoma tornado9 May 1959, F4, 7 deaths, 12 injuries, 6.2 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1959
- St. Louis, Missouri tornado10 February 1959, F4, 21 deaths, 345 injuries, 23.9 miles long
- Stonewall, Oklahoma tornado9 May 1959, F4, 7 deaths, 12 injuries, 6.2 miles long
- Aquilla, Texas tornado31 March 1959, F4, 6 deaths, 31 injuries, 10.4 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.