Tornadoes in 1961
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 697 tornadoes in 1961, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 52 people and injured 1,087. The busiest month was May (137), and the busiest single day was 26 March 1961, with 27.
- 697tornadoes
- 52deaths
- 1,087injuries
- 27on the busiest day (26 March 1961)
Tornadoes in 1961 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 1961?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 154 | 22% |
| F1 / EF1 | 241 | 35% |
| F2 / EF2 | 229 | 33% |
| F3 / EF3 | 66 | 9% |
| F4 / EF4 | 7 | 1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 1 |
| Feb | 31 |
| Mar | 124 |
| Apr | 74 |
| May | 137 |
| Jun | 107 |
| Jul | 77 |
| Aug | 27 |
| Sep | 53 |
| Oct | 14 |
| Nov | 36 |
| Dec | 16 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1961
- Talihina, Oklahoma tornado5 May 1961, F4, 16 deaths, 58 injuries, 26.4 miles long
- Tiki Island, Texas tornado12 September 1961, F4, 8 deaths, 200 injuries, 1 mile long
- Jonesboro, Louisiana tornado12 September 1961, F3, 5 deaths, 37 injuries, 2 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1961
- Talihina, Oklahoma tornado5 May 1961, F4, 16 deaths, 58 injuries, 26.4 miles long
- Tiki Island, Texas tornado12 September 1961, F4, 8 deaths, 200 injuries, 1 mile long
- Marion, Indiana tornado25 April 1961, F4, 7 injuries, 63.1 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.