Tornadoes in 1985
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 684 tornadoes in 1985, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 94 people and injured 1,299. The busiest month was May (182), and the busiest single day was 31 May 1985, with 30.
- 684tornadoes
- 94deaths
- 1,299injuries
- 30on the busiest day (31 May 1985)
Tornadoes in 1985 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 1985?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 308 | 45% |
| F1 / EF1 | 259 | 38% |
| F2 / EF2 | 79 | 12% |
| F3 / EF3 | 29 | 4% |
| F4 / EF4 | 8 | 1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 1 | <1% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 2 |
| Feb | 7 |
| Mar | 38 |
| Apr | 134 |
| May | 182 |
| Jun | 82 |
| Jul | 51 |
| Aug | 108 |
| Sep | 40 |
| Oct | 18 |
| Nov | 19 |
| Dec | 3 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1985
- Warren, Ohio tornado31 May 1985, F5, 18 deaths, 310 injuries, 47 miles long
- Andover, Ohio tornado31 May 1985, F4, 16 deaths, 125 injuries, 56.2 miles long
- Conneaut, Ohio tornado31 May 1985, F4, 12 deaths, 82 injuries, 14 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1985
- Warren, Ohio tornado31 May 1985, F5, 18 deaths, 310 injuries, 47 miles long
- Andover, Ohio tornado31 May 1985, F4, 16 deaths, 125 injuries, 56.2 miles long
- Conneaut, Ohio tornado31 May 1985, F4, 12 deaths, 82 injuries, 14 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.
Where the 1985 tornadoes started
- Texas (90)
- South Dakota (55)
- Nebraska (51)
- Alabama (42)
- Oklahoma (36)