Tornadoes in 1979
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 855 tornadoes in 1979, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 84 people and injured 3,014. The busiest month was June (150), and the busiest single day was 28 June 1979, with 38.
- 855tornadoes
- 84deaths
- 3,014injuries
- 38on the busiest day (28 June 1979)
Tornadoes in 1979 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 1979?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 359 | 42% |
| F1 / EF1 | 342 | 40% |
| F2 / EF2 | 116 | 14% |
| F3 / EF3 | 31 | 4% |
| F4 / EF4 | 7 | <1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 16 |
| Feb | 4 |
| Mar | 53 |
| Apr | 123 |
| May | 112 |
| Jun | 150 |
| Jul | 132 |
| Aug | 126 |
| Sep | 69 |
| Oct | 47 |
| Nov | 21 |
| Dec | 2 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1979
- Wichita Falls, Texas tornado10 April 1979, F4, 42 deaths, 1,740 injuries, 46.9 miles long
- Vernon, Texas tornado10 April 1979, F4, 11 deaths, 68 injuries, 39.7 miles long
- Thompsonville, Connecticut tornado3 October 1979, F4, 3 deaths, 500 injuries, 11.3 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1979
- Wichita Falls, Texas tornado10 April 1979, F4, 42 deaths, 1,740 injuries, 46.9 miles long
- Vernon, Texas tornado10 April 1979, F4, 11 deaths, 68 injuries, 39.7 miles long
- Palmer, Iowa tornado28 June 1979, F4, 3 deaths, 26 injuries, 14.9 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.