Tornadoes in 1986
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 765 tornadoes in 1986, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 15 people and injured 536. The busiest month was May (173), and the busiest single day was 16 May 1986, with 32.
- 765tornadoes
- 15deaths
- 536injuries
- 32on the busiest day (16 May 1986)
Tornadoes in 1986 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 1986?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 354 | 46% |
| F1 / EF1 | 271 | 35% |
| F2 / EF2 | 116 | 15% |
| F3 / EF3 | 21 | 3% |
| F4 / EF4 | 3 | <1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 0 |
| Feb | 30 |
| Mar | 76 |
| Apr | 84 |
| May | 173 |
| Jun | 134 |
| Jul | 88 |
| Aug | 67 |
| Sep | 65 |
| Oct | 26 |
| Nov | 17 |
| Dec | 5 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1986
- Jacksonville, North Carolina tornado2 July 1986, F2, 3 deaths, 10 injuries, 1.5 miles long
- McMullen, Alabama tornado12 March 1986, F3, 2 deaths, 16 miles long
- Tomball, Texas tornado5 February 1986, F3, 2 deaths, 5 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1986
- Maskell, Nebraska tornado28 July 1986, F4, 2 injuries, 52.5 miles long
- Meridian, Mississippi tornado12 March 1986, F4, 8 injuries, 23 miles long
- Ankeny, Iowa tornado28 September 1986, F4, 20 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.