February Tornadoes

February Statistics

• Average tornadoes: ~40/month
• Average deaths: ~20/month (high variability)
• Peak states: Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida

Notable February Tornado Events

• Super Tuesday 2008 (February 5-6) - 87 tornadoes, 57 killed. Widespread outbreak from Arkansas to Kentucky.
• February 25, 2019 EF4 Beauregard, AL - 23 killed
• February 21-22, 1971 Mississippi Delta - 121 killed
• February 5, 2008 Union University, Jackson, TN - direct hit on university

Why February Tornadoes Happen

February tornadoes require:

• Warm, moist air surging north from the Gulf
• Strong cold front descending from Canada
• Extreme wind shear (jet stream still active)
• Fast-moving low-pressure system

These conditions occasionally align in February, especially in warm winter years.

The 1971 Mississippi Delta Tornado

February 21, 1971 produced one of the deadliest February tornado outbreaks - 121 killed across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. Multiple violent tornadoes struck small towns overnight in the Mississippi Delta.

February Warning Considerations

February tornado warnings can catch people off guard because:

• Public "tornado season" awareness typically starts in spring
• Winter clothing slows response
• Holiday weekends can catch families in unfamiliar homes
• Overnight timing common

Preparing for February

• Dixie Alley residents: maintain tornado preparedness through winter
• Keep weather radio active year-round
• Watch for warm-front days (temperatures reaching 60°F+ in February)
• Do not delay shelter response even during winter warnings