March Tornadoes

March averages 85 US tornadoes - triple the winter monthly rate. It marks the start of active tornado season, with peak activity concentrating over Dixie Alley (Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee). By late March, Deep South tornado outbreaks are common.

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

→ Simulate a tornado on our map

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