Alabama Tornadoes
Alabama averages ~50 tornadoes per year and has been struck by some of the most consequential tornado events in US history. Peak season: March–May primary, November–December secondary.
Notable Alabama Tornadoes with Full Details
Hackleburg–Phil Campbell EF5
· April 27, 2011
Deadliest tornado of the 2011 Super Outbreak. 72 killed across a 132-mile path. Read the full story →
Tuscaloosa–Birmingham EF4
· April 27, 2011
80-mile path through downtown Tuscaloosa and western Birmingham. 64 killed. Read the full story →
Other Historic Alabama Tornadoes
- Rainsville, AL (April 27, 2011) — EF5, 25 killed
- Guin, AL (April 3, 1974) — F5, 28 killed during 1974 Super Outbreak
- Tanner, AL (April 3, 1974) — F5, 28 killed (second F5 to hit same county on same day)
- Enterprise, AL (March 1, 2007) — EF4, 8 students killed at Enterprise High School
Key Facts About Alabama Tornado Activity
- Alabama is the heart of "Dixie Alley" — tornadoes here are more likely to occur at night, in rain-wrapped storms, and over mobile-home-dense areas — all deadlier than Great Plains events
- Nearly half of all US tornado fatalities in the 2010s occurred in Alabama or neighboring Dixie Alley states
- James Spann of ABC 33/40 has become nationally famous for live-tornado coverage of Alabama outbreaks
Alabama Tornado Season
Peak activity in Alabama: March–May primary, November–December secondary. Even outside this window, violent tornadoes are possible — no month is fully safe. Residents should have a household tornado plan year-round. See our tornado season guide → and tornado safety guide →.
→ Simulate a tornado in Alabama on our map
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Alabama is one of the highest-tornado-risk states in the country. Prepare before the next event: