Tornadoes in Texas

The stats

• Average: 155 tornadoes/year.
• Peak season: April-May peak, March-June range.
• Regional patterns.
• Community awareness.
• Skywarn or equivalent spotter network active.

Notable events

• 1927 Rocksprings F5 — 74 dead.
• 1953 Waco F5 — 114 dead. Deadliest Texas tornado of modern era.
• 1970 Lubbock F5 — 26 dead. Downtown hit at dinner hour.
• 1979 Wichita Falls F4 "Terrible Tuesday" — 42 dead. Photographed extensively.
• 1987 Saragosa F4 — 30 dead. Hispanic community devastated by nighttime tornado.
• 1997 Jarrell F5 — 27 dead. "Dead Man Walking" tornado.
• 2000 Fort Worth F2 — 3 dead. Direct hit on downtown skyscrapers.
• 2013 Granbury EF4 — 6 dead.
• 2015 Van EF3 — 2 dead. Cinco de Mayo outbreak.
• 2019 Dallas EF3 — through northern Dallas metro at night.
• 2024 outbreaks — very active spring.

Major cities

Weather service coverage

Preparedness

1. Weather radio.
2. Wireless alerts enabled.
3. Family communication plan.
4. Community shelter awareness.
5. Storm shelter or basement.
6. Insurance current.
7. Regular drills.
8. Emergency contact list.

For residents

• Preparedness essential.
• Local forecast 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
• Tornado safety checklist