Missouri Tornado Statistics & Extraordinary Events

Missouri Tornado Statistics From 1950-2016

Five of the 25 deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history occurred in the state of Missouri, and 3 of these events rank among the top 10.

The peak tornado occurrence months in Missouri are April through June. A second smaller “peak” often occurs near the end of the year.

  • Annual average number of tornadoes: 32
  • Total number of fatalities: 394
  • Annual average fatalities: 4
  • Record for number of tornadoes: 102 tornadoes in 2006

View additional information, including tornado climatology, maps, and graphs for the St. Louis (including St. Charles) region and a list of St. Charles County tornadoes.

A tornado on the ground and another one forming

Extraordinary Events

Extraordinary events such as the Tri-State Tornado of 1925 amaze even the experts and should be a reminder that safety can depend on being alert, staying informed, and being prepared for the unexpected.

  • The Tri-State Tornado traversed 3 states (Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana). During its 3 ½-hour, 219-mile track, it reached speeds of 73 mph, killing 695.
  • The 1974 Super outbreak produced 148 tornadoes across 13 states in roughly 24 hours and killing 335.
  • Cordell, Kansas was struck by tornadoes on May 20 of 1916, 1917, and 1918.
  • The same church in Guy, Arkansas, was struck by 3 different tornadoes on the same day.
  • Super Outbreak of 2011