State history
Tornadoes in Mississippi
Mississippi averages 43 tornadoes per year. Here is the complete history.
The stats
- Average: 43 tornadoes/year.
- Peak season: March-April.
- Population and vulnerability considerations.
- Regional patterns.
- Community awareness.
- Skywarn active.
Notable events
- 1936 Tupelo F5 — 216 dead. Historic.
- 1966 Jackson F5 — 57 dead.
- 1969 Camille tornadoes — hurricane-spawned.
- 2011 April 27 Smithville EF5 — 16 dead.
- 2011 April 27 Philadelphia EF5 — 3 dead.
- 2011 April 27 Louisville EF4 — multiple dead.
- 2019 April 13 outbreak — multiple events.
- 2023 March 24 Rolling Fork EF4 — 26 dead.
- 2024 outbreaks — active season.
Major cities
Jackson metro
500k+. Multiple historic events.
Gulfport-Biloxi
150k. Coastal.
Hattiesburg
46k. Southern MS.
Meridian
38k. Eastern MS.
Tupelo
38k. 1936 legacy.
Southaven
Memphis metro.
Rolling Fork
2k. 2023 devastation.
NWS coverage
NWS Jackson
Central MS.
NWS Memphis TN
N MS.
NWS Mobile AL
S MS.
NWS New Orleans LA
SW MS.
Chase community
- Regional chasers active.
- Multi-state coordination.
- Documentation of events.
- Public safety focus.
- Community involvement.
- Skywarn integration.
Preparedness
- Weather radio.
- WEA enabled.
- Family communication plan.
- Community shelter awareness.
- Storm shelter installation.
- Insurance current.
- Regular drills.
- Emergency contact list.
Vulnerabilities
- Population distribution.
- Building code enforcement.
- Mobile home density in specific areas.
- Community shelter access.
- Rural coverage gaps.
- Historical vulnerabilities.
For residents
- Preparedness essential.
- Local NWS office familiarity.
- Community engagement.
- Multi-hazard awareness.
- Family plan.
- Insurance verification.
- Ongoing education.