Tennessee Tornadoes
Tennessee sits on the northern edge of Dixie Alley. Nighttime, rain-wrapped, fast-moving tornadoes have killed more Tennesseans in the 2010s and 2020s than any decade since the 1930s.
Notable Tennessee Tornadoes with Full Details
Nashville-Cookeville 2020
- March 3, 2020
EF3 through downtown Nashville plus EF4 in Cookeville. 25 killed. Read the full story ->
Hackleburg-Phil Campbell 2011 EF5 (TN portion)
- April 27, 2011
The Alabama EF5 crossed into southern Tennessee, causing additional damage there. Read the full story ->
Other Historic Tennessee Tornadoes
- Middle Tennessee outbreak (April 27, 2011) - 6 tornadoes across the state
- Middle Tennessee (February 15, 2016) - EF3 near Adamsville
- Chattanooga tornadoes (April 12, 2020) - EF3, Easter Sunday outbreak
- Nashville area (April 16, 1998) - F3
Key Facts About Tennessee Tornado Activity
- Tennessee has documented tornado activity in every month of the year
- Nocturnal tornado rate in Tennessee is ~40% - much higher than the national average
- The state has invested heavily in tornado siren coverage since the 2020 Nashville event
Tennessee Tornado Season
Peak: March-May primary, November-December secondary. See our tornado season guide -> and tornado safety guide ->.
-> Simulate a tornado in Tennessee on our map
🛡️ Protect Your Tennessee Home
Sponsored