Tornadoes in 1996
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 1,173 tornadoes in 1996, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 26 people and injured 703. The busiest month was May (235), and the busiest single day was 19 April 1996, with 60.
- 1,173tornadoes
- 26deaths
- 703injuries
- 60on the busiest day (19 April 1996)
Tornadoes in 1996 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 1996?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 743 | 63% |
| F1 / EF1 | 313 | 27% |
| F2 / EF2 | 94 | 8% |
| F3 / EF3 | 20 | 2% |
| F4 / EF4 | 2 | <1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 1 | <1% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 35 |
| Feb | 14 |
| Mar | 71 |
| Apr | 177 |
| May | 235 |
| Jun | 128 |
| Jul | 202 |
| Aug | 72 |
| Sep | 101 |
| Oct | 68 |
| Nov | 55 |
| Dec | 15 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1996
- Leslie, Arkansas tornado14 April 1996, F4, 7 deaths, 35 injuries, 44 miles long
- Selma, Alabama tornado6 March 1996, F3, 4 deaths, 40 injuries, 19 miles long
- St. Paul, Arkansas tornado21 April 1996, F3, 2 deaths, 6 injuries, 15 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1996
- Fond du Lac, Wisconsin tornado18 July 1996, F5, 12 injuries, 13.3 miles long
- Leslie, Arkansas tornado14 April 1996, F4, 7 deaths, 35 injuries, 44 miles long
- Louisville, Kentucky tornado28 May 1996, F4, 10 injuries, 30 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.