Tornadoes in Missouri

The stats

• Average: 42 tornadoes/year.
• Peak season: April-May.
• Population and vulnerability considerations.
• Regional patterns.
• Community awareness.
• Skywarn active.

Notable events

• 1896 St. Louis F4 — 255 dead. Historic.
• 1925 Tri-State impact — deadliest US tornado swept through MO.
• 1957 Ruskin Heights F5 — 44 dead. Kansas City area.
• 2003 May 4 outbreak — 40+ tornadoes in MO.
• 2011 May 22 Joplin EF5 — 158 dead. Deadliest since 1947.
• 2013 March 18 St. Louis area — multiple EF3.
• 2014 April 27 outbreak — multiple events.
• 2024 outbreak — recent activity.

Major cities

NWS coverage

Chase community

• Regional chasers active.
• Multi-state coordination.
• Documentation of events.
• Public safety focus.
• Community involvement.
• Skywarn integration.

Preparedness

1. Weather radio.
2. WEA enabled.
3. Family communication plan.
4. Community shelter awareness.
5. Storm shelter installation.
6. Insurance current.
7. Regular drills.
8. 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.

Learn more

• Tornado climatology by state
• Tornado Alley vs Dixie Alley
• Tornado fatality statistics
• Dixie Alley specific safety