Alabama Tornadoes
Alabama has been struck by more significant tornadoes and had more tornado deaths than any state in recent decades. Home to the 2011 Super Outbreak that killed 244 in Alabama alone.
Notable Alabama Tornadoes with Full Details
Hackleburg–Phil Campbell EF5
· April 27, 2011Deadliest tornado of the 2011 Super Outbreak. 72 killed across a 132-mile path. Read the full story →
Tuscaloosa–Birmingham EF4
· April 27, 201180-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 →.
Try the interactive simulator
Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.
Launch simulator →Try the interactive simulator
Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.
Launch simulator →