March Tornadoes
March averages 85 US tornadoes. Peak activity concentrates in Dixie Alley - the Deep South. First major month of tornado activity each year.
March Statistics
- Average tornadoes: ~85/month
- Average deaths: ~25/month
- Peak states: Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee
- Peak intensity: Late March (final week)
Why March Ramps Up
March marks the atmospheric transition to spring:
- Gulf of Mexico waters warm (65-70°F+ by late March)
- Jet stream is still active, providing wind shear
- Cold fronts continue moving south, triggering storms
- Southern US soils warm enough to support surface instability
Notable March Tornado Events
- Tri-State Tornado (March 18, 1925) - deadliest ever, 695 killed
- Nashville-Cookeville (March 3, 2020) - EF3/EF4, 25 killed
- Rowlett/Sunnyvale, TX (March 27, 2015) - EF3-EF4 outbreak
- February 21-22, 2016 - Central Florida outbreak (late Feb, early March type)
- Rolling Fork, MS (March 24, 2023) - EF4, 21 killed
- March 2, 2012 Henryville, IN EF4
March 2-3 - The Historical Deadline
Multiple significant tornado events cluster in the March 2-3 timeframe:
- March 2, 2012 (Henryville, IN)
- March 3, 2020 (Nashville-Cookeville)
- March 3, 2019 (Beauregard, AL - 23 killed)
Preparing for March
- Southeastern residents: begin peak season preparedness
- Test NOAA weather radio
- Review household tornado plan
- Verify storm shelter access if applicable
- Practice tornado drill if not done recently
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 →🛡️ Preparedness resources
🚨NOAA weather radio
Midland WR120 — the standard
Storm shelter installation
Local certified installers
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 →