Tornadoes in 1971
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 889 tornadoes in 1971, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 159 people and injured 2,718. The busiest month was June (199), and the busiest single day was 14 December 1971, with 29.
- 889tornadoes
- 159deaths
- 2,718injuries
- 29on the busiest day (14 December 1971)
Tornadoes in 1971 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 1971?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 188 | 21% |
| F1 / EF1 | 380 | 43% |
| F2 / EF2 | 239 | 27% |
| F3 / EF3 | 71 | 8% |
| F4 / EF4 | 10 | 1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 1 | <1% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 19 |
| Feb | 83 |
| Mar | 40 |
| Apr | 75 |
| May | 166 |
| Jun | 199 |
| Jul | 100 |
| Aug | 50 |
| Sep | 47 |
| Oct | 38 |
| Nov | 16 |
| Dec | 56 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1971
- Cary, Mississippi tornado21 February 1971, F4, 58 deaths, 795 injuries, 202.1 miles long
- Delhi, Louisiana tornado21 February 1971, F5, 47 deaths, 510 injuries, 109.2 miles long
- Edwards, Mississippi tornado21 February 1971, F4, 13 deaths, 182 injuries, 65.2 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1971
- Delhi, Louisiana tornado21 February 1971, F5, 47 deaths, 510 injuries, 109.2 miles long
- Cary, Mississippi tornado21 February 1971, F4, 58 deaths, 795 injuries, 202.1 miles long
- Edwards, Mississippi tornado21 February 1971, F4, 13 deaths, 182 injuries, 65.2 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.
Where the 1971 tornadoes started
- Texas (191)
- Florida (59)
- Nebraska (52)
- South Dakota (47)
- Georgia (46)