Tornadoes in 1980
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 866 tornadoes in 1980, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 28 people and injured 1,157. The busiest month was June (217), and the busiest single day was 29 May 1980, with 40.
- 866tornadoes
- 28deaths
- 1,157injuries
- 40on the busiest day (29 May 1980)
Tornadoes in 1980 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 1980?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 267 | 31% |
| F1 / EF1 | 400 | 46% |
| F2 / EF2 | 162 | 19% |
| F3 / EF3 | 32 | 4% |
| F4 / EF4 | 5 | <1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 5 |
| Feb | 11 |
| Mar | 41 |
| Apr | 137 |
| May | 203 |
| Jun | 217 |
| Jul | 95 |
| Aug | 73 |
| Sep | 37 |
| Oct | 43 |
| Nov | 3 |
| Dec | 1 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1980
- Kalamazoo, Michigan tornado13 May 1980, F3, 5 deaths, 79 injuries, 10.6 miles long
- Grand Island, Nebraska tornado3 June 1980, F4, 3 deaths, 110 injuries, 1.1 miles long
- Rushville, Indiana tornado9 July 1980, F4, 2 deaths, 25 injuries, 11 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1980
- Grand Island, Nebraska tornado3 June 1980, F4, 3 deaths, 110 injuries, 1.1 miles long
- Rushville, Indiana tornado9 July 1980, F4, 2 deaths, 25 injuries, 11 miles long
- Lamoni, Iowa tornado2 June 1980, F4, 31.2 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.
Where the 1980 tornadoes started
- Texas (152)
- Florida (60)
- South Dakota (52)
- Wisconsin (43)
- Iowa (40)