Texas Tornadoes
Texas averages ~140 tornadoes per year and has been struck by some of the most consequential tornado events in US history. Peak season: April–June, with a secondary fall peak in the Panhandle.
Notable Texas Tornadoes with Full Details
Waco F5
· May 11, 1953
Deadliest tornado in Texas history. 114 killed. Led directly to the creation of the US tornado warning system. Read the full story →
Jarrell F5
· May 27, 1997
Possibly the most extreme tornado damage ever documented. 27 killed in Double Creek Estates. Read the full story →
Other Historic Texas Tornadoes
- Lubbock, TX (May 11, 1970) — F5, 26 killed. Struck downtown Lubbock at night.
- Dallas–Fort Worth (March 28, 2000) — F3, struck downtown Fort Worth
- Wichita Falls, TX (April 10, 1979) — F4 "Terrible Tuesday" outbreak, 42 killed
- Saragosa, TX (May 22, 1987) — F4, 30 killed at a graduation ceremony
Key Facts About Texas Tornado Activity
- Texas Panhandle is a major storm chaser destination — high tornado density with wide open terrain
- North Texas has among the highest hail-storm frequency in the country
- Hurricanes making landfall on the Texas coast routinely spawn tornadoes as they move inland
Texas Tornado Season
Peak activity in Texas: April–June, with a secondary fall peak in the Panhandle. 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 →.
→ Simulate a tornado in Texas on our map
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Texas is one of the highest-tornado-risk states in the country. Prepare before the next event: