F5 Tornadoes by State 2026
F5 Tornadoes Since 1950
State | F5 Tornadoes Since 1950↓ | |
|---|---|---|
 | Alabama | 7 |
 | Oklahoma | 7 |
 | Iowa | 6 |
 | Kansas | 6 |
 | Texas | 6 |
 | Mississippi | 4 |
 | Ohio | 4 |
 | North Dakota | 3 |
 | Wisconsin | 3 |
 | Illinois | 2 |
 | Michigan | 2 |
 | Minnesota | 2 |
 | Missouri | 2 |
 | Indiana | 1 |
 | Kentucky | 1 |
 | Louisiana | 1 |
 | Nebraska | 1 |
 | Pennsylvania | 1 |
 | South Dakota | 1 |
 | Tennessee | 1 |
 | United States | 61 |
- Data include both tornadoes rated F5 on the Fujita scale (used 1950-2006) and also tornadoes rated EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which replaced the original Fujita scale beginning in 2007.
- The F5 tornado that touched down near Niles, Ohio on 05-31-1985 crossed state lines into Wheatland, Pennsylvania, becoming Pennsylvania’s only F5/EF5 tornado and the easternmost F5/EF5 tornado on record.
F5 tornadoes are among the most powerful and destructive tornadoes on the Fujita scale, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph. These violent storms are often associated with severe weather outbreaks, typically occurring in regions prone to tornado activity, such as the central United States. Known colloquially as “monster tornadoes,” F5 tornadoes are capable of causing catastrophic damage to communities in their path.
Primarily appearing in areas with a favorable combination of atmospheric conditions, including warm, moist air colliding with cooler, drier air masses, F5 tornadoes most frequently occur in the central plains of the United States, often referred to as Tornado Alley. This region, encompassing states like Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas, experiences a higher frequency of tornadoes due to its unique geography and climatic conditions.
Among the states listed in the table, Oklahoma stands out with a significant number of F5 tornadoes since 1950. Notable occurrences include the devastating tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma, in 2013, causing widespread destruction and claiming numerous lives. Kansas and Alabama also rank high in F5 tornado occurrences, with historic storms like the Tri-State Tornado of 1925, which ravaged parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, leaving a lasting impact on communities in its path.
