The biggest tornado events of 2019

2019 got off to something of a slow start, but in winter a slow start doesn’t necessarily mean much.

[The biggest tornado events of 2018]

As we head into the heart of severe season, three significant tornado events have now occurred. While the first did not have huge numbers, it did drop the year’s first killer tornado. The March 3 outbreak ended up one of the deadliest in recent years with confirmed tornadoes in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. The April 13-15 outbreak was vast in size, from Texas to the Northeast. Sadly, three more deaths were added to the yearly total, bringing the total number to 26 for the year.

Significant tornado outbreaks of 2019

Impactful outbreaks with at least 20 confirmed tornadoes and/or a killer tornado and/or an EF3 tornado.

March 3 – 39 tornadoes in AL, FL, GA, SC

April 13-15 – 69 tornadoes in TX, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, OH, DE, PA, NY

EF3+ tornadoes

#1: EF3 – February 23: Columbus, MS

#2: EF4 – March 3: Beauregard, Ala.–Talbotton, Ga.
#3: EF3 – March 3: East of Tallahassee to north of Lloyd, Fla.

#4: EF3 – April 13: Hearne to Marquez, Tx.
#5: EF3 – April 13: Crockett to Reklaw, Tx.

All EF3+ in one list…

#1: EF3 – February 23: Columbus, MS
#2: EF4 – March 3: Beauregard, Ala.–Talbotton, Ga.
#3: EF3 – March 3: East of Tallahassee to north of Lloyd, Fla.
#4: EF3 – April 13: Hearne to Marquez, Tx.
#5: EF3 – April 13: Crockett to Reklaw, Tx.

Killer tornadoes

There have been 26 tornado deaths so far in 2019. One in the Feb. 23 tornado event, 23 on March 3 and three on April 13. See SPC’s killer tornado page.

Top outbreaks, by numbers

#1: April 13-15 – 69 tornadoes
#2: March 3 – 39 tornadoes