Tornadoes in 1983
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 930 tornadoes in 1983, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 34 people and injured 750. The busiest month was May (249), and the busiest single day was 1 May 1983, with 33.
- 930tornadoes
- 34deaths
- 750injuries
- 33on the busiest day (1 May 1983)
Tornadoes in 1983 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 1983?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 350 | 38% |
| F1 / EF1 | 372 | 40% |
| F2 / EF2 | 147 | 16% |
| F3 / EF3 | 57 | 6% |
| F4 / EF4 | 4 | <1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 13 |
| Feb | 41 |
| Mar | 71 |
| Apr | 65 |
| May | 249 |
| Jun | 178 |
| Jul | 99 |
| Aug | 76 |
| Sep | 19 |
| Oct | 13 |
| Nov | 48 |
| Dec | 58 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1983
- Inverness, Florida tornado9 April 1983, F3, 3 deaths, 2 injuries, 10 miles long
- Sterlington, Louisiana tornado1 April 1983, F4, 2 deaths, 20 injuries, 9 miles long
- Anniston, Alabama tornado3 December 1983, F3, 2 deaths, 51 injuries, 4 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1983
- Sterlington, Louisiana tornado1 April 1983, F4, 2 deaths, 20 injuries, 9 miles long
- Laplace, Louisiana tornado6 December 1983, F4, 25 injuries, 7 miles long
- Coon Rapids, Minnesota tornado3 July 1983, F4, 4 injuries, 1 mile long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.