Tornadoes in 1974
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 945 tornadoes in 1974, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 366 people and injured 6,824. The busiest month was April (267), and the busiest single day was 3 April 1974, with 128.
- 945tornadoes
- 366deaths
- 6,824injuries
- 128on the busiest day (3 April 1974)
Tornadoes in 1974 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 1974?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 222 | 23% |
| F1 / EF1 | 384 | 41% |
| F2 / EF2 | 208 | 22% |
| F3 / EF3 | 95 | 10% |
| F4 / EF4 | 29 | 3% |
| F5 / EF5 | 7 | <1% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 24 |
| Feb | 23 |
| Mar | 36 |
| Apr | 267 |
| May | 144 |
| Jun | 194 |
| Jul | 59 |
| Aug | 107 |
| Sep | 25 |
| Oct | 45 |
| Nov | 13 |
| Dec | 8 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1974
- Beavercreek, Ohio tornado3 April 1974, F5, 36 deaths, 1,150 injuries, 31.3 miles long
- Hardinsburg, Kentucky tornado3 April 1974, F5, 31 deaths, 270 injuries, 32 miles long
- Decatur, Alabama tornado3 April 1974, F5, 28 deaths, 272 injuries, 79.5 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1974
- Beavercreek, Ohio tornado3 April 1974, F5, 36 deaths, 1,150 injuries, 31.3 miles long
- Hardinsburg, Kentucky tornado3 April 1974, F5, 31 deaths, 270 injuries, 32 miles long
- Decatur, Alabama tornado3 April 1974, F5, 28 deaths, 272 injuries, 79.5 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.