Indiana Tornadoes
Indiana averages 20 tornadoes per year. History includes 1965 Palm Sunday, 1974 Super Outbreak, 2005 Van Wert, and 2012 Henryville EF4.
Indiana Tornado Statistics
- Average tornadoes per year: ~20
- Peak season: April-June primary
- Historical outbreaks: 1965 Palm Sunday, 1974 Super Outbreak, 2005 Van Wert, 2012 Henryville
Notable Indiana Tornado Events
April 11, 1965 Palm Sunday Outbreak
137 killed across Indiana. Multiple F4/F5 tornadoes struck the state. One of the deadliest days in Indiana history. Full story →
April 3-4, 1974 Super Outbreak
Multiple F4/F5 tornadoes crossed Indiana. 47 killed. Part of the largest tornado outbreak in modern US history. Full story →
March 2, 2012 Henryville EF4
Devastating EF4 struck Henryville and surrounding areas. 13 killed, extensive damage.
November 6, 2005 Van Wert Outbreak
F3 tornado struck Van Wert. Notable for the movie theater ceiling collapse.
Why Indiana?
Ohio Valley Corridor
Indiana sits in the Ohio Valley - a major tornado corridor for outbreaks.
Cold Front Track
Cold fronts frequently pass through Indiana during severe weather season.
Gulf Moisture Access
Southerly winds bring Gulf moisture into the state.
Historical Outbreak Corridor
Indiana has been in the path of the largest US tornado outbreaks.
Regional Indiana Risk
Southern Indiana
Louisville area, Evansville, Henryville. Highest tornado density in the state.
Central Indiana
Indianapolis, Muncie, Bloomington. Metro tornado corridor.
Northern Indiana
Fort Wayne, South Bend, Gary. Fewer tornadoes but severe when they occur.
Notable Indiana Cities
- Indianapolis - largest city, moderate tornado risk
- Fort Wayne - northern Indiana
- Evansville - southern Indiana, higher risk
- South Bend - northern Indiana
- Henryville - devastated by 2012 EF4
Warning Infrastructure
Indiana has comprehensive tornado preparedness:
- NWS Indianapolis, Wilmington, Northern Indiana coverage
- Extensive community siren networks
- State emergency management
- Public education programs
- School tornado protocols
Living in Indiana
- NOAA weather radio essential
- Storm shelter or basement recommended
- Family tornado plan
- Understanding of historical outbreak potential
- Community shelter awareness
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 →