Mississippi Tornadoes
Mississippi has been struck by some of the deadliest tornadoes in US history: Tupelo 1936 (216 killed), Smithville 2011 EF5, Rolling Fork 2023 EF4.
Notable Mississippi Tornadoes with Full Details
Smithville EF5
· April 27, 2011Virtually destroyed the small town of Smithville during the 2011 Super Outbreak. Read the full story →
Other Historic Mississippi Tornadoes
- Tupelo, MS (April 5, 1936) — F5, 216 killed. 4th deadliest US tornado ever. A young Elvis Presley survived it at age 15 months.
- Vicksburg, MS (December 5, 1953) — F5, 38 killed. Only December F5 in modern records.
- Natchez, MS (May 6, 1840) — 317 killed. Deadliest US tornado of the 19th century.
- Philadelphia, MS (April 27, 2011) — EF5, 3 killed
Key Facts About Mississippi Tornado Activity
- Mississippi has among the highest concentrations of mobile homes in the US, which drives up tornado death rates
- Nighttime tornadoes are especially common — the Rolling Fork, Smithville, and Tupelo events all struck at night
- The 2011 Super Outbreak produced 30+ tornadoes across Mississippi in a single 24-hour period
Mississippi Tornado Season
Peak activity in Mississippi: March–April 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 →